The Tangled Web Of Confusion – SNL Takes On Weaboos

Weaboo

A negative term directed to anyone overly obsessed with Japanese culture to the point where they become annoying.Used frequently on the image boards of 4chan.

Most weaboos are uneducated about their obsession of choice and are often noobs who are overly zealous, trying to impress others with their otaku knowledge. Another trait of a weaboo is their desire to “be Japanese”.

While the two terms are often fused together, weaboos are very different from anime fans or enthusiasts. A fan may be just as enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Japanese culture, mainly anime, but they neither boast about their knowledge nor call themselves otaku (because of its known negative connotation).

There was a skit that aired on Saturday Night Live and while the show may not be as funny as it once was I was pissing myself laughing at this. As a J-Pop music blogger I have actually encountered people who display some of the exact mannerisms in the skit during my travels.

Music geeks may not be as warped and uneducated about Japanese culture as anime geeks who display the weaboo traits but they are just as annoying. Especially idol music fans. I know for a fact there are going to be some who will be very offended by this skit. Perhaps they are oblivious to their behavior that would make them think J-Pop America  Fun Time Now isn’t funny at all.

We all display a little bit of Weaboo at times, it’s only natural for fans of J-Pop to have those tendencies. It’s kind of sad that those who are much more um… flamboyant in their display of that kind of behavior tend to be representative of the entire fan culture for those who are outside of it.

That might piss off a lot of you who would like to be taken seriously as J-Pop fans but it’s something you have to accept. It’s up to you to try to sell people on the fact that you’re not some crazy person who wants to change nationalities because of the music you’re into. A hard sell for sure but perhaps you can convert some people in your quest to validate your fandom.

Or you can just have a laugh at those who look like they need some serious help like those the skit are mocking.