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[The Frankman]

We will need 5 more threads to debate the subject.

Only 5? Please, after reading the last 20-30 responses this debate clearly needs 12 more, plus a stickied topic.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

we should all focus our hate on the ones that really deserve it: Canadians.

 

[starchild excalibur]

It's stupid to learn a language just to understand content written in that language? Isn't that one of if not the reason you'd choose to learn a language?

I think it's stupid to learn a language just to watch media that can already be understood through fansubs and dubs. I learn a language to be literate within the entire culture and to communicate with members of that culture. I don't learn spanish just so I can watch telenovelas without needing subtitles. Excuse me if I think doing so is a waste of knowledge and effort.

 

[BudokaiMR2]

And sorry if I don't hold Bleach and often mistranslated and obscure classical works on the same level. :lol Look, you're free to do as you like. I enjoy anime and respect the appeal of mangas. I just think learning a whole new language with endless possibilities only to watch an anime that's already fansubbed somewhere is a waste. If you don't, cool. But hey, feel free to get huffy anyway.

So would you have a problem with a person from south america who is learning english so they can watch american movies and read spiderman?

 

[thetrin]

How about quoting the rest of my comment first?


And sorry if I don't hold Bleach and classical works on the same level. :lol Look, you're free to do as you like. I enjoy anime and respect the appeal of mangas. I just think learning a whole new language with endless possibilities only to watch an anime that's already fansubbed somewhere is a waste. If you don't, cool. But hey, feel free to get huffy anyway.

How is learning a language EVER a waste? You may be using it for a redundant purpose, but it`s not completely useless once you stop watching the show.

who said I put Bleach on the same level as classical works? I said russian author, not a great russian author. What if the anime was something like Piano no Mori, which is getting rave reviews from movie critics, but might never get fansubbed? What if the russian author wrote schlock horror?

I have plenty of friends who qualify as Japanophiles! Shit, I live in Japan and play games. I have a goddamn Dragon Quest tattoo. But I have the sense not to be the guy with the LOOKING FOR A JAPANESE GIRLFRIEND t-shirt who only sings anime theme songs at karaoke.

Point taken. I`m with you on that.

(what kind of DQ tat do you have?)

 

[brocke]

How about quoting the rest of my comment first?


And sorry if I don't hold Bleach and often mistranslated and obscure classical works on the same level. :lol Look, you're free to do as you like. I enjoy anime and respect the appeal of mangas. I just think learning a whole new language with endless possibilities only to watch an anime that's already fansubbed somewhere is a waste. If you don't, cool. But hey, feel free to get huffy anyway.

don't let it get to you. just like there's that guy who collects every single mcdonald's item in his house, there are people with that line of thinking. there's nothing wrong with it. they are just different.

 

[cvxfreak]

I get annoyed when people get angry at me for calling Resident Evil, Biohazard. I live in Japan, bitch! That`s what it`s called here!

You don`t see me getting pissed when some dumb american calls a Hyundai "HUN-DAY".

I think that's a bit different.

People will actually say "I captured a Pikachuu" or "I captured a Pikachyuu!"

WTF is wrong with those people!

That said, I wouldn't forgive you if you said Baiohazaado in the middle of an English convo.

 

[RevenantKioku]

I think it's stupid to learn a language just to watch media that can already be understood through fansubs and dubs. I learn a language to be literate within the entire culture and to communicate with members of that culture. I don't learn spanish just so I can watch telenovelas without needing subtitles.

Look, the point is you're ragging on the entry point for a lot of people. I know my initial reason for learning Japanese was games, but without even trying it expanded to other things. To rag on people telling them they're stupid or it's pointless for trying to learn a language for whatever reason is just being an unreasonable dick.

 

[ConfusingJazz]

I don't hate japanophiles (unless you're annoying, then **** off and get off my youtube), I just dislike the idea of romanticizing a culture.

 

[thetrin]

I think that's a bit different.

People will actually say "I captured a Pikachuu" or "I captured a Pikachyuu!"

WTF is wrong with those people!

I wasn`t disputing what you said. I quoted what you said because it reminded me of my situation.

I actually totally agree with you. :lol

 

[ourumov]

American culture

What's that ?

 

[thetrin]

What's that ?

Low blow. :lol

 

[hooded pitohui]

(what kind of DQ tat do you have?)

I have the Loto emblem on my right arm.

 

[starchild excalibur]

So would you have a problem with a person from south america who is learning english so they can watch american movies and read spiderman?

If that's all they're using that knowledge for, I'd simply think it's a waste. I wouldn't have a problem with him doing it at all.

How is learning a language EVER a waste? You may be using it for a redundant purpose, but it`s not completely useless once you stop watching the show.

who said I put Bleach on the same level as classical works? I said russian author, not a great russian author. What if the anime was something like Piano no Mori, which is getting rave reviews from movie critics, but might never get fansubbed?

It's a waste if you're not taking full advantage of the luxury. Asking how learning a language can be a waste is like asking how learning a trade only to never take full advantage of it is a waste.

I'm not saying learning japanese just to watch anime is wrong, so you all need to stop fabricating quotes like that. All I'm saying is that I think there are so many ways you can apply a language in, often times, life changing ways that using it just to watch works that are often times alread translated isn't making full use of the skill. If you disagree with me, so be it.

Look, the point is you're ragging on the entry point for a lot of people. I know my initial reason for learning Japanese was games, but without even trying it expanded to other things. To rag on people telling them they're stupid or it's pointless for trying to learn a language for whatever reason is just being an unreasonable dick.

So be it. If you wouldn't find something odd about the idea of me taking 7 years of spanish just to watch soap operas or 10 years of medical school just so I can pick out the best cough medicine, then I guess we just differ. People who are only interested in Japan because of animes and videogames just aren't people that I care if I offend.

 

[Shouta]

The only thing that bothers me is the broad brush people use.

Yes there is a difference between guys like me, and guys who go to anime conventions and write fanfiction, please do not ****ing lump me in with those wack-jobs.

This is why you judge people for who they are as individuals. If you went into the gaming forum and said "GAMERS ****IN SUCK LOSERS WHO FANTASIZE OVER FAKE BREASTED POLYGON WOMEN" I think, even though there are sad ****s that do get off on that, most of us would still be ****ing offended.

You might want to take your own advice btw.

 

[thetrin]

I have the Loto emblem on my right arm.

that`s pretty awesome. Did you get it done inside or outside japan? I was going to get one last christmas when I went back to the states to visit the rents, but had zero time.

 

[mashoutposse]

Because they tend to be socially inept and require language barriers and culture differences to shed whatever insecurities they have when dealing with normal people. Many of these same people are elitist and blame their social ineptitude on that when it's really the other way around...

 

[RevenantKioku]

I'm not saying learning japanese just to watch anime is wrong, so you all need to stop fabricating quotes like that. All I'm saying is that I think there are so many ways you can apply a language in, often times, life changing ways that using it just to watch works that are often times alread translated isn't making full use of the skill. If you disagree with me, so be it.

You're coming off in an incredibly simple minded sounding way, and this is why you're getting the backlash you so strongly deserve.

 

[thetrin]

Because they tend to be socially inept and require language barriers and culture differences to shed whatever insecurities they have when dealing with normal people. Many of these same people are elitist and blame their social ineptitude on that when it's really the other way around...

So, basically, you answer is "Because most of us have gross general assumptions about a group of people that could not be more heterogenous."

I agree.

 

[VALIS]

Following and championing the media from one country at the exclusion of others is a silly practice, if one does that. Congratulations on deliberately limiting yourself to a small fraction of the world's art, genius. Believe me, if all of a sudden Brazilophiles or Wanna-Be-Germans popped up in the same number as Japanophiles, they'd get the same backlash.

To make this worse, the Japanese arts appreciated by the typical Japanophile are lowest common denominator, nerd fantasy junk. It's not Kurosawa or Hokusai or Zen Buddhism that gets the appreciation, it's ****ing Sailor Moon. Sure, there's good anime, but most of it sucks. I know this and you know this. I mean, let's say you lived in Japan and groups of peers were really obsessed with America, but not some of the better aspects of its arts, but they were more into things like X-Men cartoons and WWE wrestling and pop icons like Britney Spears and Mandy Moore, and they couldn't stop talking about how great America's junk is compared to Japan's. You wouldn't want to gut these people with a fishing knife? Sure as **** you would.

The average Japanophile can be supremely annoying in many ways. Dropping Japanese words into English conversations when there's no need to. Chiding other people for not having innate knowledge of Japanese customs, like how to eat sushi "correctly." And the worst one of all, thinking Japan's arts trump the arts of the rest of the world. That's just... ARGGH. Japan has the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, in the same ratio as any other country's collective arts. I remember one time I read an essay from an anime nerd going on about how Bugs Bunny cartoons were mindless, artless pap, while cartoons like Gundam and Tenchi Muyo were high freakin' art. Who wouldn't want to crush this person's skull in a vice?

And finally, there's just a lot of them in the last 10 years. I remember getting into anime in the early 90s when you might find some extremely expensive video tapes at comics or hobby stores, or maybe Blockbuster or your local mom and pop video store would have 5-10 tapes for rental. Then it was almost like you were in a secret club with those very few others you'd meet who also liked anime. The best way to watch anime back then? Wasn't buying, renting, watching it on TV or downloading. It was joining an anime club on a college campus and watching what the club decided on once every week or two. But the Japanophile in America still has the air of "Oh, we're so special and different for liking Japanese cartoons." No you're ****ing not! It's extremely popular and widely available these days! It couldn't be any easier. Don't make yourselves out to be some hunters of rare and esoteric culture. Anime is as prevalent in America as any other thing these days.

So, there ya go. Now, if you're someone who likes and spends a lot of time around Japanese culture but doesn't fall into those aforementioned stereotypes, then I don't think the average Japanophile hater's beef is with you. I know mine isn't.

 

[starchild excalibur]

You're coming off in an incredibly simple minded sounding way, and this is why you're getting the backlash you so strongly deserve.

I'm coming off as simple minded because I see the power of language beyond anime? :lol Or is it because I value language in a more all-encompassing, universal way?

And the reason I'm getting the backlash is because there are a lot of anime fans in this thread. But, hey, enjoy. Righteous indignation, full speed ahead!

 

[hooded pitohui]

that`s pretty awesome. Did you get it done inside or outside japan? I was going to get one last christmas when I went back to the states to visit the rents, but had zero time.

I got it done in Japan, when my sister came to visit. The guy who did it was actually a big DQ fan as well, and we talked about the series for a bit before he started. I felt a lot more comfortable knowing that it was another fan marking up my body forever. :lol

 

[ConfusingJazz]

What's that ?

Coltrane is not pleased with you.

 

[RevenantKioku]

I'm coming off as simple minded because I see the power of language beyond anime? :lol Or is it because I value language in a more all-encompassing, universal way?

And the reason I'm getting the backlash is because there are a lot of anime fans in this thread. But, hey, enjoy. Righteous indignation, full speed ahead!

See, you're doing it again.

 

[Jonnyram]

Japanophobes are just as bad as Japanophiles.

 

[brocke]

Following and championing the media from one country at the exclusion of others is a silly practice, if one does that. Congratulations on deliberately limiting yourself to a small fraction of the world's art, genius. Believe me, if all of a sudden Brazilophiles or Wanna-Be-Germans popped up in the same number as Japanophiles, they'd get the same backlash.

To make this worse, the Japanese arts appreciated by the typical Japanophile are lowest common denominator, nerd fantasy junk. It's not Kurosawa or Hokusai or Zen Buddhism that gets the appreciation, it's ****ing Sailor Moon. Sure, there's good anime, but most of it sucks. I know this and you know this. I mean, let's say you lived in Japan and groups of peers were really obsessed with America, but not some of the better aspects of its arts, but they were more into things like X-Men cartoons and WWE wrestling and pop icons like Britney Spears and Mandy Moore, and they couldn't stop talking about how great America's junk is compared to Japan's. You wouldn't want to gut these people with a fishing knife? Sure as **** you would.

The average Japanophile can be supremely annoying in many ways. Dropping Japanese words into English conversations when there's no need to. Chiding other people for not having innate knowledge of Japanese customs, like how to eat sushi "correctly." And the worst one of all, thinking Japan's arts trump the arts of the rest of the world. That's just... ARGGH. Japan has the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, in the same ratio as any other country's collective arts. I remember one time I read an essay from an anime nerd going on about how Bugs Bunny cartoons were mindless, artless pap, while cartoons like Gundam and Tenchi Muyo were high freakin' art. Who wouldn't want to crush this person's skull in a vice?

And finally, there's just a lot of them in the last 10 years. I remember getting into anime in the early 90s when you might find some extremely expensive video tapes at comics or hobby stores, or maybe Blockbuster or your local mom and pop video store would have 5-10 tapes for rental. Then it was almost like you were in a secret club with those very few others you'd meet who also liked anime. The best way to watch anime back then? Wasn't buying, renting, watching it on TV or downloading. It was joining an anime club on a college campus and watching what the club decided on once every week or two. But the Japanophile in America still has the air of "Oh, we're so special and different for liking Japanese cartoons." No you're ****ing not! It's extremely popular and widely available these days! It couldn't be any easier. Don't make yourselves out to be some hunters of rare and esoteric culture. Anime is as prevalent in America as any other thing these days.

So, there ya go. Now, if you're someone who likes and spends a lot of time around Japanese culture but doesn't fall into those aforementioned stereotypes, then I don't think the average Japanophile hater's beef is with you. I know mine isn't.

In their defense, Mandy Moore is hot. Brittney Spears was hot.

 

[starchild excalibur]

See, you're doing it again.

No, you only think I am because you disagree with me. Your avatar far from makes you impartial here.

The only thing that bothers me is the broad brush people use.

Yes there is a difference between guys like me, and guys who go to anime conventions and write fanfiction, please do not ****ing lump me in with those wack-jobs.

Thank you.

 

[thetrin]

I mean, let's say you lived in Japan and groups of peers were really obsessed with America, but not some of the better aspects of its arts, but they were more into things like X-Men cartoons and WWE wrestling and pop icons like Britney Spears and Mandy Moore, and they couldn't stop talking about how great America's junk is compared to Japan's. You wouldn't want to gut these people with a fishing knife? Sure as **** you would.

No I wouldn`t, because I`d have no Japanese friends. Every jgaffer has at least one friend like this.

 

[BudokaiMR2]

Following and championing the media from one country at the exclusion of others is a silly practice, if one does that. Congratulations on deliberately limiting yourself to a small fraction of the world's art, genius. Believe me, if all of a sudden Brazilophiles or Wanna-Be-Germans popped up in the same number as Japanophiles, they'd get the same backlash.

To make this worse, the Japanese arts appreciated by the typical Japanophile are lowest common denominator, nerd fantasy junk. It's not Kurosawa or Hokusai or Zen Buddhism that gets the appreciation, it's ****ing Sailor Moon. Sure, there's good anime, but most of it sucks. I know this and you know this. I mean, let's say you lived in Japan and groups of peers were really obsessed with America, but not some of the better aspects of its arts, but they were more into things like X-Men cartoons and WWE wrestling and pop icons like Britney Spears and Mandy Moore, and they couldn't stop talking about how great America's junk is compared to Japan's. You wouldn't want to gut these people with a fishing knife? Sure as **** you would.

The average Japanophile can be supremely annoying in many ways. Dropping Japanese words into English conversations when there's no need to. Chiding other people for not having innate knowledge of Japanese customs, like how to eat sushi "correctly." And the worst one of all, thinking Japan's arts trump the arts of the rest of the world. That's just... ARGGH. Japan has the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, in the same ratio as any other country's collective arts. I remember one time I read an essay from an anime nerd going on about how Bugs Bunny cartoons were mindless, artless pap, while cartoons like Gundam and Tenchi Muyo were high freakin' art. Who wouldn't want to crush this person's skull in a vice?

And finally, there's just a lot of them in the last 10 years. I remember getting into anime in the early 90s when you might find some extremely expensive video tapes at comics or hobby stores, or maybe Blockbuster or your local mom and pop video store would have 5-10 tapes for rental. Then it was almost like you were in a secret club with those very few others you'd meet who also liked anime. The best way to watch anime back then? Wasn't buying, renting, watching it on TV or downloading. It was joining an anime club on a college campus and watching what the club decided on once every week or two. But the Japanophile in America still has the air of "Oh, we're so special and different for liking Japanese cartoons." No you're ****ing not! It's extremely popular and widely available these days! It couldn't be any easier. Don't make yourselves out to be some hunters of rare and esoteric culture. Anime is as prevalent in America as any other thing these days.

So, there ya go. Now, if you're someone who likes and spends a lot of time around Japanese culture but doesn't fall into those aforementioned stereotypes, then I don't think the average Japanophile hater's beef is with you. I know mine isn't.

Shut your dirty mouth. X-men animated series is pure gold!

And a japanophile isn't someone who is ignoring other countries cultures by definition. Hell I haven't read a single manga in 6 months because I have been catching up on Marvel and DC stuff instead. And definitely fall under the japanophile category.

And sure you might think that it is "lowest common denominator junk" but you have to realize that a large portion of pop culture from any culture is going to be the same.

 

[mashoutposse]

And a japanophile isn't someone who is ignoring other countries cultures by definition. Hell I haven't read a single manga in 6 months because I have been catching up on Marvel and DC stuff instead. And definitely fall under the japanophile category.

Now, if you're someone who likes and spends a lot of time around Japanese culture but doesn't fall into those aforementioned stereotypes, then I don't think the average Japanophile hater's beef is with you.

I agree with that.

 

[RevenantKioku]

No, you only think I am because you disagree with me. Your avatar far from makes you impartial here.

Sir, you are incredibly infuriating! It's also painfully clear arguing with you is ultimately futile! But I would recommend you going over your own thoughts again, because you are not as open minded as you claim. For reals.
/me goes back to studying Japanese.

 

[VALIS]

And a japanophile isn't someone who is ignoring other countries cultures by definition.

Hmm. I dunno. To me anyway, a Japanophile is someone who pretty much just consumes Japanese arts at the near exclusion of others. I've certainly seen plenty of those people around both here and elsewhere. If that's not you, that's a good thing.

And sure you might think that it is "lowest common denominator junk" but you have to realize that a large portion of pop culture from any culture is going to be the same.

I didn't suggest any different.

 

[starchild excalibur]

because you are not as open minded as you claim. For reals.

That's quite some irony. I approach language differently than you do and value certain aspects greater than others, but still accept those who have differing values and motivations and I'm not open-minded. But you can't accept that I have these differing values and I'm the one with the problem?

Feel free to respond when you have a legitimate argument besides "I don't agree with you" and internet gifs.

 

[JzeroT1437]

Anything that borders on obsessive, leading a person to be called a ""-phile is a bad thing. Most of the people being ridiculed for being a "Japanophile" make it pretty obvious they've reached that level, whether it be through cosplaying or some other ridiculous means.

 

[tokkun]

VALIS's post is spot on.

I don't think anyone hates certain Japanophiles for liking Japan, but rather for being narrow-minded, naive, and elitist. Unfortunately, there are a lot of the annoying type, such that normal people who have an interest in Japan get lumped in with their hate.

If you want a good example of this type of person in popular media, check out Rob Lowe's character in Thank You For Smoking.

 

[tnw]

I think part of it is a generation gap.

It seems a lot of you youngins weren't really around for the Michael Crichton 'Rising Sun'-ness of Japan in the 1980's. The 'Japan as #1' era.

Even in my language classes in high school and college, there wasn't tons of anime folks. Sure there were a few, but there were the philosphy majors interested in the buddhist blah blah. Just a wide range of people.

But my perspective of the younger generation could be skewed by posting on a gaming forum (omg imagine that), but after the economy tanked and china 'took over' (pssh whatever), all of that Japan as #1 talk just seems laughable, and I heard faculty talking about the only real draw for new students was the anime/manga angle. It was kind of hard to get over the Japan as #1 ethos of the 80's that had been instilled in me.

The few japanophiles I met in college, who imported Sympony of the Night and whatever, were totally into learning the language, but it was mostly just for the games so they could play. They had no interest in being taken out of their safe dorm room where they can eat cheese whiz and mountain dew to their hearts content. He had absolutely no interest in actually going to Japan.

I can say in my six years here, I have met almost NO people who are the time of japanophiles that is the stereotype in the US. I was at this guys apartment one time several years ago, and he was trying to show us some karaoke game on the PS2. He showed that horrible opening scene of FFX-2 with the singing and crap.

That's why I hate on the stereotype because it puts me in an ill-fitting box.

 

[BudokaiMR2]

Anything that borders on obsessive, leading a person to be called a ""-phile is a bad thing. Most of the people being ridiculed for being a "Japanophile" make it pretty obvious they've reached that level, whether it be through cosplaying or some other ridiculous means.

Nope, that is just this skewed vision of these people that more and more people seem to have recently

a japanophile can also mean just someone who studies japanese history or culture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanophile

 

[Pimpbaa]

My dislike for japanophiles comes from some thinking that everything from japan is better. From the women, games, or whatever. Also dropping japanese words into regular conversation. Bah! I also don't like white guys trying to be "black" (not saying black people have to be the way I'm describing). Some white kid from the suburbs thinkin he's "gansta". He'd shit his pants if he actually went into some nasty neighbourhood. It's ok to like anime or hip hop, but if you go so far as to completely changing your look or tastes because of obsession with it, you are retarded.

 

[RevenantKioku]

That's quite some irony. I approach language differently than you do and value certain aspects greater than others, but still accept those who have differing values and motivations and I'm not open-minded. But you can't accept that I have these differing values and I'm the one with the problem?

Feel free to respond when you have a legitimate argument besides "I don't agree with you" and internet gifs.

What in the bloody cocksucking hell are you talking about?
Seriously, I've lost you. If ragging on people for having a reason for learning a language is "accepting" of it than I've lost understanding. I won't even go into the whole "I approach language differently than you do and value certain aspects greater than others" bullshit you're spewing, because I don't even see how that's relevant!

Or maybe I'm just misunderstanding one bit of what you're saying. If someone else could point it out, maybe I'd shut up.

 

[thetrin]

I`d like to quickly point out that I think the japanophiles that many of you hate probably wouldn`t survive for very long in Japan itself.

A lot of the undesirable parts of them stem from an unrealistic concept of a country they never have or ever will visit.

 

[Verano]

Kinda sux when you're into Japanese stuff and japanese people call you "Baka Gaijin" most of the time.
:'(

 

[DonasaurusRex]

i think some japanophiles get backlash because all they know is a sliver of japanese culture and if they went to japan only talking about anime , games, akihabara, shinjuku, and pocci stix they would be the most annoying people to be around. I used to be somewhat like that because i was a Sega fanatic but after being neighbors with japanese people in college you come to dislike people that like any and everything about japan, its like they love japan more than japanese people do. They're just like kids from a rural area that cant shut up about going to the California coast, NYC, or Chicago.

 

[BudokaiMR2]

I`d like to quickly point out that I think the japanophiles that many of you hate probably wouldn`t survive for very long in Japan itself.

A lot of the undesirable parts of them stem from an unrealistic concept of a country they never have or ever will visit.

Yes you see this quite often if you study there. There were a lot of people from Kansai who left before the 2nd semester because the country wasn't what they expected.

 

[Brobzoid]

what annoys me as well, and slightly fits in this thread, is when people are talking in english about a japanese person and add -san or -chan or some bullshit at the end. arrgh!

Also when people say something in a foreign language they know you/whoever they're talking to doesn't understand and they right after translate it, just to seem smart.

Like a person I know who asked if I had any anime to recommend to him (he did this only so he could "own" me with his superior anime knowledge and more obscure titles), and he said he "didn't want any gomu (or something to that effect), that's garbage in Japanese..." and he expected me, and everyone else there to be impressed.

But more on topic; a person who's infatuated with a culture in some way or form, in this case Japan, wouldn't by default qualify for the japanophile tag imo.

 

[Son of Godzilla]

I thought the thread title said "Blacklash" and came in here expecting an unhinged Beezy.

 

[thetrin]

Yes you see this quite often if you study there. There were a lot of people from Kansai who left before the 2nd semester because the country wasn't what they expected.

And if they can`t take kansai, can you imagine trying to survive in Shikoku?

 

[cvxfreak]

I`d like to quickly point out that I think the japanophiles that many of you hate probably wouldn`t survive for very long in Japan itself.

A lot of the undesirable parts of them stem from an unrealistic concept of a country they never have or ever will visit.

At the same time, someone can't be 100% faulted if that person has yet to visit Japan and get a real feel for the country, making pre- and learned conceptions the only thing to go on.

I admit that before I came to Japan for the first time in 2004, I had a few misconceptions about the place that were corrected by the time I left. Nothing related to being a Japanophile, but learning Japan doesn't happen overnight.

 

[thetrin]

what annoys me as well, and slightly fits in this thread, is when people are talking in english about a japanese person and add -san or -chan or some bullshit at the end. arrgh!

It`s called cultural respect, smart guy.

 

[starchild excalibur]

What in the bloody cocksucking hell are you talking about?
Seriously, I've lost you. If ragging on people for having a reason for learning a language is "accepting" of it than I've lost understanding. I won't even go into the whole "I approach language differently than you do and value certain aspects greater than others" bullshit you're spewing, because I don't even see how that's relevant!

Here we go against with the fabrications. I'll write my stance in simple words: I do not feel that learning a new language just to watch anime is a good use of such knowledge. Just like I wouldn't feel learning Spanish just to read comic books that have been widely translated would be a great use of such knowledge. I do not believe people who do so deserve to be mocked, nor do I believe they are wrong for doing so. Their motivations are simply different than my own. I accept that people do it, and I'm fine with it. I just don't see the same value in it that they do.

If you are outraged by that or find it shocking then you really are just being unnecessarily histrionic.

 

[thetrin]

At the same time, someone can't be 100% faulted if that person has yet to visit Japan and get a real feel for the country, making pre- and learned conceptions the only thing to go on.

I admit that before I came to Japan for the first time in 2004, I had a few misconceptions about the place that were corrected by the time I left. Nothing related to being a Japanophile, but learning Japan doesn't happen overnight.

Definitely cannot fault them. My impression of Japan was vastly different from that of its reality. That`s why cultural shock hits everyone.

I'll write my stance in simple words: I do not feel that learning a new language just to watch anime is a good use of such knowledge.

Really? I think it`s okay. They`re learning something. It`s a lot better than idiots who don`t watch subtitled movies because it`s in another language.

Many of my students started learning english because they love american movies, and the subs in japanese are often transliteration, rather than translation. I think it`s great.