Weeaboo...? What in the?

Question

So I recently learned a new word; Weeaboo.
I've kind of read about what it is, but now I'm wondering if people would consider me one.

I am a big fan of anime and manga, and have days where I shut myself in my room for ages just reading manga non-stop and watching anime non-stop.
I say Japanese words and sentences every now and then, simply because I used to learn it and enjoy speaking the language so I do pronounce most things correctly.
I have lots of clothes with Japanese writing on it, simply because I can read most of it unless it's kanji.

But now learning this word, I feel like I shouldn't express my love for Japan, their culture and their awesome anime and manga creations, for fear that I will be called (to me) this disgusting word by people who don't know me...
I'm a 19 year old white Australian female, who has a sickly obsession with yaoi and bishis.
Should I just never tell this to people or do I have to be considered this "weeaboo" thing?

? · Accepted Answer

The term gets thrown around a lot nowadays by people who have no clue what it actually means.

A weeaboo is more than just someone who enjoys anime and wants to learn Japanese.  That is called being interested in a foreign culture.  A weeaboo is someone who believes in the superiority of all things Japanese over the products of any other culture.  It is an extreme form of Japanophilia and comes across as being really annoying.  I have been to a few sites that certified 100% Grade A weeaboos frequent and believe me when I say that nothing you have mentioned so far comes even close to how cringeworthy I found those people.

Don't worry about it too much and don't ever apologize for liking things produced by another culture.  Just don't advertise it loudly or come across as obsessive, approach it with an air of reserve and you won't go wrong.  If you spend a lot of time among internet communities you will learn how weeaboos behave and learn to avoid it, but unfortunately that might result in a piece of the internet rubbing off on you.  Best to avoid it in my opinion.

Bob B · Answer

It's not a very common term in Australia.

In my view, having an interest in anything, including anime, is nothing to be ashamed of. The only thing I'd suggest is that, if you don't want to be looked down upon, don't come off as obsessive. It's ok to mention that you like something, and to talk about, it, provided that you do talk about other things.

Don't hide your interests because you think someone else might not like that- if that's the case, well they can get stuffed.

Incidentally, I came to like anime long after liking Japan. I'd studied it as well, and found it to be a fascinating country. A similar minded friend got me onto anime.

Weeaboo...? What in the?

2 Answers