Vocabulary
1. Otaku
-a Japanese term for people with obsessive interests, commonly the anime and manga fandom
2. Genre
-Any category of literature or other forms of art or entertainment
However, in female Korean subculture communities, the word commonly means work that they are a fan of. (similar to fandom)
3. Fandom
- A subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest.
(similar to genre)
4. Perverted
-Having or showing sexual desires that are considered not normal or acceptable
5. Anime
-Japanese animated productions featuring hand-drawn or computer animation
6. Manga
-Comics created in Japan.
Are NOT limited to explicit comics.
7. Closet Otaku
-A person who hides the fact that he is an Otaku from the public eye
8. Yaoi
-aka Boys' Love (BL).
A genre of fictional media focusing on romantic or sexual relationships between male characters
9. Ship
-Short for romantic relationship, popularized in fanfiction circles
10. Doujin
-(=Dong-in. Look up fangirls/boys)
People who produce and/or consume fanworks and/or original works called Doujinshi
Are NOT limited to explicit comics
Discussion Questions
1. What do you think is the boundary of being an "Otaku"? How should we define them?
2. Is there anything that you especially love or enjoy?
3. Many people think that Otaku is just a hobby, and therefore doesn't need to be taken seriously. Do you think Otaku subculture should be respected as much as other racial or religious subcultures are? Or is it too much of seriousness?
4. In our interviews about Dong-ins, the interviewees said that they try to stay under water because they think they will be shunned if they rise above the surface. Some others think that strong stereotypes exist because they are too hidden. What do you think about this? Do you think they should stay veiled, or do you think they should be come out and be proud?
5. What should happen to change the strong stereotypes against Otakus? What can they do themselves, and what can non-Otakus (people who aren't Otakus) do?
6. How much do you think can be acceptable as one's personal taste?
