Aine from DC Geeks took some time out of her busy schedule covering notable geek events in the district to conduct an interview with regular old me. I was really honored. Interviewing other people is a big part of my job, so I know what a time commitment it is when somebody else prepares questions for me.
A really good interviewer can be like a brainstorming partner; when she asks questions about your beliefs, it can help you to affirm and solidify them. Aine’s question about my use of the word “weeaboo” did that for me.
I know that with a word with a history as contentious of that of “weeaboo” will always be problematic, but I think my answer here is the one I most believe in:
Aine: Another quick terminology question: weeaboo. Are we taking it back? Or do we need to wait a bit before it loses its racist connotations?
Lauren: I was taken aback by your word “racist,” but it’s true. When I reviewed the etymology of the word, I remembered that “weeaboo” was the Perry Bible Fellowship nonsense word that 4chan used as a replacement for any instance of the word “wapanese.”
However, I don’t believe weeaboos are intentionally racist. I recently wrote about Saturday Night Live’s sketch about weeaboos (and a lively discussion is still going on in the comments), and I particularly liked what the professor said about the overenthusiastic students:
“If there’s such a thing as a loving version of racism, I think you’ve found it.”
I’ve used the word “weeaboo” to describe myself a few times: when I cooked Japanese food, when I bought a kotatsu, and when I wore a kimono to celebrate my 24th birthday at a sushi restaurant. I’ve even written an apologetic letter to Asian people about my embarrassment over being so enthusiastic about a culture that is not my own, nor do I have any idea about. (I have never even been to Japan.)
I realize that my interest in Japanese culture could be misconstrued as racism, and so I feel guilty about it. But I think my enthusiasm, as is the case with all weeaboos, comes from a very well intentioned place.
Does anyone else ever feel guilty about a fandom-inspired interest in Japan?
5 Comments.
IMO, it is not racist to like someone else’s culture. Especially when we’re talking about an interest that was sparked by a modern media product and inspires people to research the culture further, I don’t personally see a problem with it.
I have heard people say that it’s racist for a white person to cosplay (comparing it to blackface). However, we’re not talking about dressing up as an Asian stereotype to be malicious. We’re talking about someone putting on a blue wig and a pair of cat ears because they love a character and want to look like them for a day. I don’t think it matters if the character was created by a Japanese person or an American. Cartoons are cartoons, and it’s done with respect and appreciation.
@Tamara, thanks for weighing in. I can see why people would say it’s racist to cosplay, but this morning I read this Crunchyroll article which shows that anime characters’ physical features don’t fit into any real ethnicity: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/02/06/a-look-at-the-whiteness-of-japanese-anime-characters. It’s not a different ethnicity we’re trying to dress like, it’s unreal, 2D cartoons. But I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir!
My question is: “Why should I feel guilty?” I’m not doing anything wrong and don’t feel as though I’m mocking anyone. I enjoy Japanese culture and I believe EVERY westerner should find some other culture in this world to learn about. IMO most Americans have become complacent to the world around them. Since I’ve become more knowledgeable about Asians, I’ve started to appreciate the world in a different light. On top of that, it makes me happy. I only have 70-80 years on this planet and by God as my witness, I’m going to enjoy that time. If I could move to Japan, I would tomorrow, but unfortunately life/God has a different plan for me, therefore I’ll appreciate the culture and media from afar.
@Crimm, I didn’t think about it this way. I really hope Japanese people find our interest in their culture a compliment. But for me, it’s not just Japanese culture that I’m into. It’s also all this anime-driven subculture, which is just as removed in Japan as it is here. I’m interested in some sort of hybrid culture that isn’t here nor there, and I worry about coming across as ignorant.
@Lauren Unless you’ve grown up in the culture or have a PhD in it … You’ll always have a certain level of ignorance. The difference, in my opinion, is the level of respect you show the culture, people, etc. involved. I can’t help but act like a giddy schoolgirl when I’m around my anime (Asian or non-Asian) related friends – If they can’t be with my while acting like that, then there are a billion other people to be friends with. On the other side of the coin, if I’m mocking or being discriminate or rude to Asians (Cultures or subcultures) I expect them to inform me or walk away from me. No one deserves to be personally mocked – No matter what the reason, especially culture. I don’t think that’s what being a weeaboo is about. A weeaboo, IMO, is attempting to integrate a culture that you are fascinated with into your daily life. I can’t see how someone could be offended. They may make fun of us for doing it wrong or looking goofy, but I can’t imagine someone would get upset at you or think you were racist.