Recently I've become obsessed with Hetalia....
But in real life...I work with this girl, let's call her Sacchan, we're not friends but she's not on the top of my hit list or anything. She likes to read a lot of manga, but she's definitely not an otaku. She's made comments like, "I hate when my kids ask me if I'm otaku! I don't collect figures or anything! I don't cosplay! Cosplay's weird!" which I have pointedly ignored (b/c if I didn't I'd be fired after she "fell" out the window) but otherwise I don't have anything against her. She's less whiny and a lot more sensible than most of the people around me. I leave her alone & she returns the favor. Mostly.
I thought I"d like Germany/Italy best...
Today we were at school together and she was telling me about how some of my ex-students (who are now hers) had to introduce themselves to her on her first day.......
Here's girl A, 12 years old:
My name is N******.
I like gundam.
I have a gundam book.
I want a gundam model kit.
(keep in mind these are Japanese kids who are introducing themselves in English after having learned it for only about 3 months)
Sacchan's description went as follows:
I don't know if she doesn't know that everyone was laughing at her, or if she just doesn't care! She was such an otaku! I mean, everything was about gundam this and gundam that. I couldn't believe she would say that in class and not be embarrassed!
OK, now girl B, also 12:
My name is M*****
I like Arashi.
I want a boyfriend.
And Sacchan's reaction to this one:
It was so funny! I was shocked at first, but she was so calm about it, like she really knew what she wanted. I mean, you're only 12, you don't need a boyfriend, but if that's your goal than I'm proud she can stand up and say it like that.
(yes, the pronouns are a bit mismatched...it was like that when she said it)
Now, what I wanted to say, but didn't b/c I wasn't in the mood to get myself worked up was, "Why are you proud of the girl who wants a boyfriend for being able to say it & not care what anyone thinks, and yet the girl who says she likes gundam can't receive the same courtesy?" Shouldn't you be proud that she can stand up and say what she really likes without being worried about what the "other kids" will think? Shouldn't you, as a teacher, encourage her even if you don't particularly like that thing yourself? Tons of my kids play soccer and you know what? I hate soccer. It's boring. But I don't tell them that. And I certainly wouldn't encourage other kids if they laughed at them for liking soccer. I tell them to do their best and have fun just like I would any other kid.
But that's just me. I can't see why anyone should have to hide the thing they like. But then again, I also can't see why most people think it's ok to laugh at people based on what they find interesting. It's not hurting you for them to like it, right? So just leave them alone already.
...but it turns out I'm rather fond of US/UK.
