I, Weeaboo
Written by Jeshii on 2010.01.20 – 06:49 -
A not so friendly guy on YouTube introduced me (repeatedly in comments over many videos) to the term weeaboo. I’ll admit, I’m not up on my English Internet slang, so I had to look it up. Apparently, I am one.
And my response? I definitely felt a lot more insulted by this than most of the times I’ve been called 外人. It really belittles my 12 years of studying Japanese, my time living there, my respect for the culture and peoples, and generally the entire direction I’ve taken my life.
I also think it is why I spend more time on ニコニコ動画 (NicoNicoDouga) than a lot of the English-speaking Internets. I’m interacting with people who don’t know or care that I’m an outsider. They (seem to) respect the fact that I have taken the time to learn Japanese. There’s even a community cheering R and myself on to make more videos.
Actually, it’s true that a lot of people on YouTube have been very supportive, but a lot of it boils down to, “When are you going back to Japan.” The truth is, I really don’t know if I’m going back to Japan. And even if I did, I might not make videos without my partners, Rahman and DrLuka.
What I’m trying to say here is be respectful. Just remember what しじみ (shijimi) stands for; し（信じる）じ（自分の）み（道）, or “Believe in your own path.” I know how annoying little otaku can be. Hell, I was one 10 years ago. But I’ve grown up, I have a family, I have a job, and I do my little videos here in America now. No, I don’t get punched for what I do. People are generally friendly wherever you go.
And I really would like to believe that about the Internet as well.
Tags: Internet, japan, life, NicoNicoDouga, rant, respect, wapanese, weeaboo, youtube
Posted in rant | 12 Comments »
By Peter Payne on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
Yes, I hate that word like the plague. Once some unpleasant person on twitter casually commented that my entire dedication to Japan (and running J-List) was because I was one of those. I think it goes a little deeper than that!
By Billy on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
Please excuse me, but I don’t get what you’re saying. What is a weeaboo and why would someone call you that?
By Suki on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
Honestly staying in america for most of my life I too have found that americans find no respect of another one’s culture. My name has be repeatedly butchered no matter how many time i try to show something about my culture. Honestly its true that americans are pigs…. Its quite depressing acutally. CHINA showed more respect to me than americans… if it wasn’t for my citizenship and chance to go to college I rather stay in Shanghai Uni than here in america Orz wwwww
By Luka on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
Don’t listen to the internet. Those posts were probably made by kids (or 4chan-ers), aged 11 to 22, that have nothing better to do with their time than post stupid comments. They probably have never studied a foreign language or been to a foreign country. Don’t let idiots get you down.
By jon on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
You’ll find a fair number of pigs in any country. It is small-minded to make such broad generalizations about any large group.
By Ryan on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
It’s just one comment from one person: don’t let that put a downer on you.
There’s some pretty ropey people out there just trying to make you feel crap, but ignore them, we all know you’re better than that.
By Jeshii on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
Support and respect. Thank you for the comments everyone.
@Billy> It’s apparently a auto-replace for wapanese (white-japanese?). Whatever the case, the way it is used is a derogatory term for someone who loves Japan. It really strikes me because it isn’t an insult as to who you were born as (racial slurs or gaijin fall in this category), but it is an insult to what you’ve chosen to become, which bothers me more!
But in the end, it is just someone trying (and succeeding) to get my goat. But I love the discussion that’s coming out of it. See the Japansoc comments (http://www.japansoc.com/Foreigners/why-im-more-insulted-by-weeaboo-than-gaijin/) and the ghost letters entry (http://theghostletters.blogspot.com/2010/01/wapanese-and-weeapoo-wtf.html) for more.
By Billy on Jan 22, 2010 | Reply
@Jeshii
thanks for clearing it up. I saw the discussion on Japansoc and now I’m educated.
My opinion… there’s too much to enjoy in this world… don’t let a little name calling get to you. If it bothers you because it’s somewhat true… then make the changes you need to make to be happy with who you are.
By Austin G. on Jan 28, 2010 | Reply
I agree, you just shouldn’t listen to the horrible stuff the children say on the youtubes. They’re probably just livin’ it rough and are lashing out because they can get away with it. You definitely have some true fans and I’m really glad you’ve brought the site back. I was really saddened when it all disappeared.
Peace be with you
By Chiibi on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
Man, I feel you! It’s a WRETCHED term, isn’t it? I also got called that and felt very insulted. I am sure you are not a weeaboo. One big difference is weeaboos are pretty uneducated when it comes to the language and culture itself. I fell in love with the flow and sound and appearance of the Japanese language and went through a lot of effort to become semi-fluent as I am today.
But just because you like the Japanese does NOT make you a weeaboo!! People are so ignorant!
むかつくですよね。。。。子供っぽいし。。。T_T
By DMA on Sep 14, 2010 | Reply
It is a plague. This past week i was at a video-games community and i was repeatedly bashed for discussing GRAN TURISMO. Weeaboo this and weeaboo that, simply because the game was, created in Japan.
By Lisa on Oct 12, 2010 | Reply
Hi,Jeshii!
I’m a japanese high school student and I watch your videos many times =)
(I love 実際に外国人が二人でゲーム実況したらどうなるseries)
When I read this page,I was very touched.
I was ashamed…but now, it’s over!I realized that I can be proud of what I do.
(I want to work in other countries xD!!)
I tried to translate this page from English into Japanese.
I want you to correct my sentences.
So if you don’t mind,please send a e-mail to me.
よろしくお願いします！
下手糞な英語でごめんなさい！