Why do some anime fans call themselves otaku? It's a word with an extremely negative connotations. It'd literally be like Japanese people who like American TV calling themselves "losers". I personally love anime, but I don't let it control my life and I'd certainly never label myself like that. What's the rationale?
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It's a fandom (that the creators of the work) are able to look at and even mock themselves. IMO, that's pretty impressive and honest.