An Otaku's Lament

By 

Rosy the Cat

2 April 2002


I know you've heard of us. 

People call us many things: 
Fanboys and fangirls. 
Geeks, nerds, freaks, 
Pimple-faced, oily-haired wanderers of conventions. 

Long ago, sure, only such people could 
Enjoy the beauty and hilarity of anime, 
Those with the technology to produce 
The first of the Fansubs.

Oh, how we fellow otaku praise those pioneers
Who brought great animation, once unintelligible, 
Across the Pacific from Japan,
Making big, fancy corporations realize
Just how much we'd like it if they re-
Dubbed our favorites in English.

This love we carry for "simple cartoon shows"
Stretches, not only across America, 
But into other countries across the world!
We, my fellow otaku, are a force to be reckoned with!

So, now you know that we are not freaks, 
And Anime is not our entire life...
(Crowds of otaku: shocked "GASP!")
^^; It's just a very important part...
(Crowds of otaku: relieved "sigh!")

So what if we argue over whether 
Lina Inverse or Dark Shneider 
Would win in a fight?
So what if our parents don't understand 
Our love of this art form?
When did they ever truly understand us?

We are not merely fanboys and fangirls; 
We are OTAKU! 

If you are going to taunt us, 
At least get it right!
^-^;