Anime Fans in the Real World

word · November 21st, 2009, 01:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by princessmarisa

It's Marisa with one S.
Also my super happy funtime thread about what is and what isn't the right path to go down regarding UK Personal Statements.
So neeerrrr tbh

Also major lols at the people who are replying without having read even half the posts along the way where I have come to realise what the P.S is and isn't for.

Oh and cba to quote but yay to whoever corrected the fools who keep saying pera-pera.

Unless it is some kind of double entrendre calling me talkative

I think this is one of the most nonsensical posts I have ever read on ITIL... Are you intoxicated in some way?

rosie · November 22nd, 2009, 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by BritishChris

It's "Para-Para"

Fair enough. I'm not an expert.

rosie · November 22nd, 2009, 12:18

OK, just to clarify a basic point:

I didn't, at any point, mean to suggest that I thought that talking about anime in the JET interview was a great idea. I have no personal knowledge of the JET process, and although I'm somewhat disappointed to hear that anime is apparently universally scowled upon, if everyone seems to feel it should be avoided, then I'm happy to take your word for it.

However, I do most certainly object to the assertion -- implicit or explicit -- that there aren't fabulous, respectable jobs out there that have everything to do with anime and anime culture, and nothing to do with working at Super Potato. I actually do know something about this subject, which is why I got pissed off at people who were enjoying licking their own butts while spinning fantasies about how academics they have never met must be huge losers because their jobs seem to be too much fun.

I'm not really sure why people seem so attached to referring to every fan as a "weeaboo," and, implicitly, a loser. Is it really just an acutely overblown case of sour grapes? I mean, really: if someone has a good job, a steady income, and tenure from studying anime culture, where exactly is the loser element? (And before suggesting that the scholar is actually clueless or making everything up, of course, it would behoove the critic to actually read some of his work.)

Comments like this one:

Quote:

Originally Posted by word

I'd be willing to bet that Professor Weeaboo got his job by NOT mentioning the fact that he's jerked off to Sailor Jupiter every night for the past 12 years. He probably sounded very intelligent, well-meaning, and cultured when he applied for the job. Once he had it, he was able to write plays featuring cardboard robots and dudes dressed as Japanese schoolgirls. Learn the lesson here.

, while hilarious, betray an almost complete ignorance of what professors actually do, as well as how they actually get their jobs. (Clue #1: it's not based on a 15-minute interview, like JET. Clue #2: Scholars generally do not have the option to conceal the topics on which they have written their dissertations or published academic papers. Thus, if your dissertation was on hip-hop culture in Japan, then that's what the hiring committee is going to be asking you about. And, in good probability, what they are interested in you _for_.)

Anyone who has a serious interest in finding out how these academic jobs work could do a lot worse than follow to the link to Ian Condry's home page, and read about how he does it. And anyone who is interested in insulting everyone who seems to have a better or more interesting job than they do... well, I guess I'm not here to stop you. That's what the internet is for.

word · November 22nd, 2009, 15:40

I did read and link to his home page when I first posted about him.

FWIW, I've actually been involved in the professor-hiring process at my university, as well as the tenure application process. I know the score. At no point did I claim that Professor Weeaboo was unintelligent or that he was making things up, and it seems that I am even defending his intelligence in that quote you quoted.

I'd go on with you, but Applying is not the place for a discussion regarding the societal or educational benefit (or lack thereof) of intellectual analysis of weeaboo culture. The OP asked if mentioning anime in the SoP was a bad idea. The prevailing opinion seems to be a resounding "yes." I am perfectly open to the possibility that the reason for this is because the vast majority of people who want to write about anime in their SoPs are incapable of writing on the subject in an intelligent manner.

However, I'm always up for a good debate. Start one in the appropriate forum!

Edit: I don't think all weeaboos are losers! Just the 99.99% of them who are not MIT professors, but are instead working at Super Potato.

word · November 22nd, 2009, 16:12

A thought relevant to the discussion occurs to me: An individual who is interested in making a career out of anime or other Japanese pop culture ought to seriously reconsider applying to JET. Odds are, you will be placed in a rural area, far from cultural centers, and much of your time will be spent teaching English. I know of only one weeaboo here in JET, and he is very unhappy here. If your interest (intellectual or otherwise) is anime, there are far better means of coming to Japan to explore and broaden those interests.

Gusuke · November 22nd, 2009, 23:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosie

OK, just to clarify a basic point:

I didn't, at any point, mean to suggest that I thought that talking about anime in the JET interview was a great idea. I have no personal knowledge of the JET process, and although I'm somewhat disappointed to hear that anime is apparently universally scowled upon, if everyone seems to feel it should be avoided, then I'm happy to take your word for it.

However, I do most certainly object to the assertion -- implicit or explicit -- that there aren't fabulous, respectable jobs out there that have everything to do with anime and anime culture, and nothing to do with working at Super Potato. I actually do know something about this subject, which is why I got pissed off at people who were enjoying licking their own butts while spinning fantasies about how academics they have never met must be huge losers because their jobs seem to be too much fun.

I'm not really sure why people seem so attached to referring to every fan as a "weeaboo," and, implicitly, a loser. Is it really just an acutely overblown case of sour grapes? I mean, really: if someone has a good job, a steady income, and tenure from studying anime culture, where exactly is the loser element? (And before suggesting that the scholar is actually clueless or making everything up, of course, it would behoove the critic to actually read some of his work.)

Comments like this one:

, while hilarious, betray an almost complete ignorance of what professors actually do, as well as how they actually get their jobs. (Clue #1: it's not based on a 15-minute interview, like JET. Clue #2: Scholars generally do not have the option to conceal the topics on which they have written their dissertations or published academic papers. Thus, if your dissertation was on hip-hop culture in Japan, then that's what the hiring committee is going to be asking you about. And, in good probability, what they are interested in you _for_.)

Anyone who has a serious interest in finding out how these academic jobs work could do a lot worse than follow to the link to Ian Condry's home page, and read about how he does it. And anyone who is interested in insulting everyone who seems to have a better or more interesting job than they do... well, I guess I'm not here to stop you. That's what the internet is for.

The vast majority of anime fans are complete social misfits, who have a completely wrong idea of what Japan is really like in real life. Do you really think your teachers are going to really care how much you love INSERT RANDOM AND CRAPPY ANIME SERIES HERE when your brought in to teach English or to work in the Kencho?

I fail to see what JET has to do with how professors gets jobs.

Britishchris · November 23rd, 2009, 00:31

What happened to that comment about "otaku"/weeaboo/nerds/whatever coming to Japan and having breakdowns and stuff because Japan isn't the anime and manga heaven they pictured?
Wherever it is, it's a +1 from me for that one, truer words are never spoken.

DougTheHakujin · November 23rd, 2009, 01:49

+2. It ain't all Akihabara and maids getting raped by tentacles.

Waldroon · November 23rd, 2009, 02:55

Rosie,

Please take a moment to understand the difference between "there are a few people who have a great career based on anime" and "anime is an appropriate subject for discussion in your job cover letter/application".

ten_of_spades · November 23rd, 2009, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougTheHakujin

+2. It ain't all Akihabara and maids getting raped by tentacles.

Yeah, maybe for the one or two ALTs who get placed outside of Tokyo. Maids and tentacles fro the rest of us though!

Gusuke · November 23rd, 2009, 10:04

I can see Japan being complete hell for a weeaboo if placed out in the inaka.

WHERE DA MAIDZ AT

DougTheHakujin · November 23rd, 2009, 11:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldroon

Rosie,

Please take a moment to understand the difference between "there are a few people who have a great career based on anime" and "anime is an appropriate subject for discussion in your job cover letter/application".

+1 box of Pocky and a bottle of Ramune

rosie · November 23rd, 2009, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldroon

Rosie,

Please take a moment to understand the difference between "there are a few people who have a great career based on anime" and "anime is an appropriate subject for discussion in your job cover letter/application".

Waldroon,

Please take a moment to read the paragraph in which I carefully clarified the distinction I am making between "there are some people who have a great career based on anime" and "anime is an appropriate subject for discussion in your job cover letter/application".

Please do it again before next being a patronizing snark.

southpaw · November 23rd, 2009, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosie

Waldroon,

Please take a moment to read the paragraph in which I carefully clarified the distinction I am making between "there are some people who have a great career based on anime" and "anime is an appropriate subject for discussion in your job cover letter/application".

Please do it again before next being a patronizing snark.

See, Rosie, you just need to know how to present your interest. In the academic world, anime and manga ARE universally frowned upon, but "graphic novels" are in vogue and are very haute couture, if you will. Never let everyone's hatred of something you love stop you from filling your dreams with it!

theNorth · November 23rd, 2009, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gusuke

The vast majority of anime fans are complete social misfits, ....

Sorry Gusuke I dont mean to single you out here.

I think a statement like that is pretty harsh. Now I dont know if I or the people I have met until now can be called "fans" but we are all socially fine and capable. I have only ever met 1 "anime fan" who was a social misfit and even then it was not because of anime, he had a troubled life. Granted I dont go to anime conventions, do cosplay and [insert other anime related thing]. I and many perfectly normal people all watch anime as just another means to escape and chill out for a while. Anime is very popular now (or at least from my experiences).

I agree there maybe is alot of anime fans who are social misfits however I think to say its the "vast majority" is just unfair and wrong.

Still having said that, I am planning to apply to Jet next year and even from where I see things its a bit pointless to mention "anime" as a reason to go to japan. You can view anime in your country so whats the point in going to japan just to watch anime?

DougTheHakujin · November 24th, 2009, 00:03

I'm not going to lie and say I've never liked any anime (because I have). I do agree that broad statements like Gusuke's are a bit.... harsh (as theNorth said). I mean Goose, even you have made references to liking Gundam and stuff like that. I don't think liking anime can really turn one into a social misfit. I think OBSESSION with ANYTHING can do that (be it a sport, cartoon, whatever).

Anyway, back to the actual topic of the thread. Plain and simple, I knew a guy who got through applications and got an interview. He then proceeded to make multiple references to anime/manga in his interview. Needless to say, he was soon applying for Geos for an Eikaiwa job.

Liking anime/manga isn't bad (as it is part of Japanese culture), but harping on it as one of the reasons for your liking Japan is not the best thing to flaunt during application/interview processes. Jet/CLAIR/etc. have faced many anime/otaku tards coming to this country with hopes of 24-hour anime channels and maid cafes everywhere and then leaving about 2 months later cuz they couldnt adapt. They are basically avoiding a problem with a common factor.

kingmongkut · November 24th, 2009, 00:15

I agree with everyone that it's not a good idea to focus too much on anime in your essay/interview. even if you have to fudge the facts a bit to make yourself look better, it's probably better.

disagree with the legions of anti-anime people, though. I have nothing particularly against it, but I don't watch it, either.

however, I WILL say that being interested in that and/or manga would help in talking to kids. if you bring up pokemon to elementary school kids or death note to jr. high/high school kids, it's a lot easier for them to open up and start chatting with you. you could probably get some good recommendations from the kids as well.

so yeah, as long as you're not going to japan specifically FOR the anime, I think it's something you can use to your benefit. just not during the application/interview!

word · November 24th, 2009, 01:21

I think that Gusuke meant "obsessed" when he referred to "anime fans." We all know these types, and they are indefensible. Few manage to make it through college. Fewer, if any, manage to make it through the JET screening process. Those few that do, as Doug said, don't generally last long in Japan, as their life can only be a hideous montage of shattered expectations. When an anti-weeaboo bandwagon forms here, I'll happily jump on it, because these idiots might as well learn now. Heck, if anything, we do them a favor--those who are smart enough will exercise a bit of judgment when writing their SoPs and preparing for their interview, and leave the Naruto headband at home.

And who doesn't like some anime? It's no different than any other media. Some sucks ass. Some doesn't. Every genre attracts its share of losers. Obsessive anime fans are a special variety of loser, though, as I'm sure we're all aware. I don't think it's too far off to say that obsessive anime fans are mostly social misfits. An obsessive sports fan might be able to blend into normal society (at least, where I come from (Texas)), but an obsessive anime fan is more or less doomed--UNLESS... one of two things: (1) they are extremely intelligent and can land a job at MIT or some other liberal institution that is attempting to score tuition money from fans of "haute couture," or (2) they are extremely hot. Both of these characteristics tend to be exceedingly rare amongst obsessive anime fans, however.

King's idea is right on, although none of my kids give two shits about Pokemon or Death Note (I don't know anything about that one, is it famous?). They watch something called Gin Tama, which I have tried to learn a little about but have still not watched (I really should, the kids are nuts about it).

princessmarisa · November 24th, 2009, 03:25

For anyone actually interested in the outcome of this thread, and not just starting a flame war on either side of the camp...

I mentioned anime soc/my para-para team and the like under interests/ intercultural experience etc type sections on the application form, and not at all in the SoP. I intend not to mention them in interview unless asked or if they are so relevant i have no other answer to a question!
I may later remove them from the intercultural exp thing,just because of the bad rep that runs alongside them, still undecided, better to have no socs listed (im not into sports/debating anything else there might be a "soc" for) or anime and video game societies.

For the lets carry on arguing about everything side of the thread..

I agree 100% with saying anyone who wants a career in anime, or to weeaboo it up every single day or weekend, imagining Japan to be all maid cafes, giant robots, loved for being an otaku, video game conventions and well Akihabara on methamphetamines, should keep far, far away from JET, but I really hope there can be a place for myself.

I love teaching, am fascinated by languages, have some interests not at all related to Japan or Teaching such as philosophy and industrial music, and just like some people might enjoy watching sports on TV and going to "the game", or any other of 101 possible interests, I'd prefer to watch some anime or dorama and go to an expo. No need to judge anyone based on thir interests, but it is the same with anything, when interest becomes obsession it can be an ugly thing.

I know anime obsessives, they are the reason I now keep away from anime soc 90% of the time. They scare me, in pretty much the same way as football hooligans or preachers on the street do, doesn't mean everyone in the soc is like that though, or fans should get such a bad reputation.

Oh and the proffessor weeaboo thing, this guy managed to get a job doing something he loves, surely the worst we should feel towards him is a bit of jealousy on that score, because isn't everyone just lookin for a job they enjoy and get something out of, irregardless of what the interest is?
If anyone thinks his job is pointless or worse, I am sure others may have that opinion of your job, doesn't make either opinion "right" just people deciding because they don't enjoy and understand the interest in, or point to something, they cant extend their imagination to see that others might.

Isn't one of the whole points of JET to share different experiences, interests, cultures, etc so we can all have better understanding of other people, and open our minds to accept things that are in others lives but not relevant to our own?

bigredgoofball · November 24th, 2009, 06:05

Wow... I'd thought this was an issue which would be pretty plainly evident, and thus not so controversial.

If I wanted to move to New York City, and I went there for a job interview, I don't think I'd bring up my love for "Law and Order" or "CSI: New York" as specific reasons for my desire to come to New York City. It just makes no sense to even mention it.

So, why bring up manga or anime if you want to go to Japan? I mean, unless someone straight out asks you "Do you like anime?" to which one might reply "Hellz yeah I like me some anime!" There's not really a point in bringing it up, is there?

Oh... and if your REASON for going to Japan is that you think it's like all those shonen school-life harem manga you've read, or that it's all ESPers, Time-Travellers and Aliens getting their kicks with girls in sailor suits... youuuuuuuu may wanna consider staying in your job at the video store or gamestop and resigning yourself to a life lived inside your own head.

But then.... did any of us REALLY need to be reminded of that? I mean, come on... really? Japan is a real place, with real people, who have real lives, problems and all. There are no sterotypical pop-culture megastars in your average Japanese life.

Except for Godzilla. Watch out for that mofo.

November 24th, 2009, 06:05	#40 (permalink)
bigredgoofball Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: United States Posts: 675	Wow... I'd thought this was an issue which would be pretty plainly evident, and thus not so controversial. If I wanted to move to New York City, and I went there for a job interview, I don't think I'd bring up my love for "Law and Order" or "CSI: New York" as specific reasons for my desire to come to New York City. It just makes no sense to even mention it. So, why bring up manga or anime if you want to go to Japan? I mean, unless someone straight out asks you "Do you like anime?" to which one might reply "Hellz yeah I like me some anime!" There's not really a point in bringing it up, is there? Oh... and if your REASON for going to Japan is that you think it's like all those shonen school-life harem manga you've read, or that it's all ESPers, Time-Travellers and Aliens getting their kicks with girls in sailor suits... youuuuuuuu may wanna consider staying in your job at the video store or gamestop and resigning yourself to a life lived inside your own head. But then.... did any of us REALLY need to be reminded of that? I mean, come on... really? Japan is a real place, with real people, who have real lives, problems and all. There are no sterotypical pop-culture megastars in your average Japanese life. Except for Godzilla. Watch out for that mofo. __________________ "Apparently, this is the price I pay for years of screwing with Super-Science." -Dr. Venture

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November 24th, 2009, 00:15	#37 (permalink)
kingmongkut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: near the ocean, in the mountains, on the earth, maybe japan. Posts: 1,993	I agree with everyone that it's not a good idea to focus too much on anime in your essay/interview. even if you have to fudge the facts a bit to make yourself look better, it's probably better. disagree with the legions of anti-anime people, though. I have nothing particularly against it, but I don't watch it, either. however, I WILL say that being interested in that and/or manga would help in talking to kids. if you bring up pokemon to elementary school kids or death note to jr. high/high school kids, it's a lot easier for them to open up and start chatting with you. you could probably get some good recommendations from the kids as well. so yeah, as long as you're not going to japan specifically FOR the anime, I think it's something you can use to your benefit. just not during the application/interview!

November 24th, 2009, 03:25	#39 (permalink)
princessmarisa Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bradford, UK Posts: 99	For anyone actually interested in the outcome of this thread, and not just starting a flame war on either side of the camp... I mentioned anime soc/my para-para team and the like under interests/ intercultural experience etc type sections on the application form, and not at all in the SoP. I intend not to mention them in interview unless asked or if they are so relevant i have no other answer to a question! I may later remove them from the intercultural exp thing,just because of the bad rep that runs alongside them, still undecided, better to have no socs listed (im not into sports/debating anything else there might be a "soc" for) or anime and video game societies. For the lets carry on arguing about everything side of the thread.. I agree 100% with saying anyone who wants a career in anime, or to weeaboo it up every single day or weekend, imagining Japan to be all maid cafes, giant robots, loved for being an otaku, video game conventions and well Akihabara on methamphetamines, should keep far, far away from JET, but I really hope there can be a place for myself. I love teaching, am fascinated by languages, have some interests not at all related to Japan or Teaching such as philosophy and industrial music, and just like some people might enjoy watching sports on TV and going to "the game", or any other of 101 possible interests, I'd prefer to watch some anime or dorama and go to an expo. No need to judge anyone based on thir interests, but it is the same with anything, when interest becomes obsession it can be an ugly thing. I know anime obsessives, they are the reason I now keep away from anime soc 90% of the time. They scare me, in pretty much the same way as football hooligans or preachers on the street do, doesn't mean everyone in the soc is like that though, or fans should get such a bad reputation. Oh and the proffessor weeaboo thing, this guy managed to get a job doing something he loves, surely the worst we should feel towards him is a bit of jealousy on that score, because isn't everyone just lookin for a job they enjoy and get something out of, irregardless of what the interest is? If anyone thinks his job is pointless or worse, I am sure others may have that opinion of your job, doesn't make either opinion "right" just people deciding because they don't enjoy and understand the interest in, or point to something, they cant extend their imagination to see that others might. Isn't one of the whole points of JET to share different experiences, interests, cultures, etc so we can all have better understanding of other people, and open our minds to accept things that are in others lives but not relevant to our own?