I see this SO often I thought I might as well talk about it. Especially since it’s so entertaining to be on the “receiving” end of these criticisms.
And let’s not get it twisted – the most popular anime sites and creators fall victim to these “common traits”, too. It’s not “just” anime fans who leave comments on social networks or blogs.
That’s regardless of subscriber counts, visitors, or whatever B.S metric people use to measure “taste”.
Now we’ve got that out the way… Let’s jump straight to it.
Common Traits Of Fans Who Say You Have Bad Taste:
1. They don’t take CRITICISM very well
This is just the facts. It has NOTHING to do with anime in particular.
I know it because I’m naturally the kind of guy who’s unconventional, unorthodox and unafraid to say what’s on my mind.
Not to mention I have no issue going against “the norm”, no matter how unpopular my opinion is.
I’ve noticed anime fans who tell me (or anyone) you have “bad taste” are the same types of people who get hurt over a little criticism.
They can’t stand it when someone criticizes them harshly, or they can’t stand people having an opinion that’s different to their own.
I doubt a lot of these people are even self-aware enough to realize it.
Which leads to my NEXT point…
2. They’re arrogant
Let’s DEFINE arrogant:
“having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities.”
The moment you walk around telling people how BAD their taste is, you’re indirectly saying “MY taste is good” at the expense of putting someone else down.
That’s what arrogance is all about.
- You make yourself FEEL better at the expense of putting someone else down.
- And you’re quick to point fingers without taking a look in the mirror.
If you have such “good” taste, would you REALLY need to go around preaching about how bad other people’s tastes are, in comparison to your own?
If your tastes are THAT good, then why are anime fans so motivated to sh** on others for seeing things from a perspective that’s different to their own?
The fact that some anime fans feel like you’re “attacking” them personally is arrogant in itself.
Arrogance stems from something deeper, and that leads to my next point…
3. Insecurity (self-esteem)
That’s right – the act of being compelled to sh** on someone else’s opinion is a reflection of your own insecurities.
“uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; lack of confidence.”
Self esteem is an epidemic in itself. There are so many people on this planet who don’t feel good about themselves, and aren’t truly happy with who they are, so they’re WILLING to attack others for their own lack.
What someone says about me is a reflection of themselves, good or bad. It has nothing to do with me if I didn’t personally “attack” them beforehand.
And comments like this prove my point:
The only reason an anime fan is compelled to write this kind of comment is insecurity.
Otherwise why would someone make such an effort to make me feel like sh**?
It’s illogical.
And that takes me to my NEXT point.
4. They think the world revolves around their opinions
This goes back to arrogance in point #2. Some people actually believe their “opinion” is how the world works.
They genuinely believe the world revolves around how THEY see it, and anything outside of that is a lie.
The truth is though: a lot of the times they’re scared of going against society’s conventional beliefs.
And even if that’s not the case, it’s why you see comments like this in anime communities online:
“bad taste”.
Notice the pattern here? If you don’t “agree” with consensus, you have bad taste by default.
It’s amazing what people will say to make themselves feel better. And that takes me to…
5. They’re “deeply” offended and hurt (they won’t admit that)
Read the comment. It’s taken from:
5 Simple Reasons Why Emilia Is BETTER Than Rem From Re Zero
They were SO offended they came to the conclusion that “you’re the kind of person who makes bad decisions in relationships”. Just because my opinion is different to WHAT you’d expect.
On what planet does that even make any logical sense?
And then we have this cliche comment talking about “taste” again, because they’re offended that I’m not following the herd.
OMFG ITS BY THE SAME GUY LMAO pic.twitter.com/nA3EmOQSfr
— Sydney @ AX (@Sydsnap) February 28, 2017
If you’ve ever wondered what shit taste looks like https://t.co/vPqLrc4NEV
— Gigguk (@GiggukAZ) February 28, 2017
Even the Tweets above only prove my point. And these guys have “clout” as well.
You’re not ALLOWED to have a different opinion without someone being a little b***, getting caught up in their questionable feelings.
And depending on HOW offended someone is, they’ll go to lengths to “share it” with everyone so fans can join in, confirming their own bias.
6. They’re terrified of going against “conventional” beliefs
We’ve seen what happens when some people speak their mind online.
It’s not always a happy ending, and it’s not idealistic to be on the receiving end of it.
But this is society in general. It goes something like this:
- Opinions reach consensus.
- Then most people “bow down” to it.
- They make sure not to “go against” these conventional beliefs.
- Even if it means hiding their true feelings about it (to avoid public shame or criticism).
- And anyone who DOES go against convention is attacked because it reminds them of their own weakness.
That’s a simplified version of how it works. But it’s true, especially in the anime industry.
If I say something people will AGREE with, I get praise.
When I say something most people don’t agree with, the mob crawls out of their cave, ready to attack me.
Related: The 17 Most Disappointing Anime MOST Fans Seem To Love
I see this happening with tons of anime
They’re terrified of saying what they really feel because of public backlash.
I’ve read enough of the comments and seen enough of the videos to confirm their “audience” feels that way as well.
That’s why it’s so common to make fun of someone who has the balls to say what YOU are too sh** scared to say.
It’s pretty childish when you seriously think about it.
Conclusion: Stop being a little b**** and get over your differences
It’s no wonder the anime community feels so segregated. People will ONLY collaborate with people who have the same opinions as they do.
It’s like a community of F’in 5 year old children.
And yet anime fans will preach about how we need to “support” the industry… When they’re not even willing to support each other.
I doubt this will EVER stop, but even still: people need to get over themselves and chill the F out.
There’s no unity, except when it’s “politically correct” and it’s a running joke.
Recommended:
How The Anime Community Has “Evolved” Over The Years (For Better Or Worse)
