Do you hide your interest in anime?

If there's one thing people like to do, it's judge.  This is especially true when it comes to the internet.  It seems that men and women alike are than willing to pick someone apart for the things that person enjoys or doesn't enjoy.  Rather than try to learn more about that person, they just put them down for what they don't understand. I know not everyone is like that, but it does seem to be more and more present in recent years.

While being a gamer is not nearly as frowned upon as it used to be, it seems that being an anime viewer hasn't really caught on as another acceptable way to spent your free time.  I'm sure you've had at least one dirty look or negative comment about your anime viewing over the years.  This could come from friends, family or even people on the internet.  I know I've had it happen to me, and of course, it doesn't feel good.

This kind of commentary leads some people into hiding their hobbies.  To think that people are ashamed of a hobby like anime viewing is just silly to me.  I like to think I'm open-minded to all sorts of things, and I never want to judge someone for what they enjoy.  As long as it doesn't hurt anyone, it's okay with me.  I know that anime viewing hurts no one, but I also understand why some people choose to keep their interest a hobby.  It can be more fun to view and enjoy on your own time rather than get bashed and harassed for your interest.

Do you hide your interest in anime from others?  You might do this just because you believe some other people won't understand.  It's not silly to be afraid of what people say, but I want you to know that you shouldn't be ashamed of what you like.  You don't have to shove anime into the faces of those that belittle you, but there's nothing wrong with standing up for your interests.  Anime is not a dirty hobby...it's perfectly acceptable.

I'm proud to call myself an anime viewer and to have friends like you to view alongside.