The World of the Otaku

Who doesn’t like cartoons?

Anime, short for the Japanese word for animation, is a genre of entertainment that has attracted the attention of millions from around the world. Incidentally, this attention has manifested itself in several ways, and one of these is in the form of the otaku.

Otakus are often mistaken for the sort of folks who sit at home, watch cartoons for a living and collect action figures non-stop. This is, for the most part, untrue. Otakus tend to be social, and the greatest proof of this would be anime conventions: events held at different times during the year in multiple locations where fans of the popular Japanese cartoons gather to talk about their shared interests, such as their favorite shows and Japanese music artists.

At events such as these people tend to dress up in costumes of their favorite characters (a hobby known as cosplay), and on occasion they are even involved in role-playing games. They enjoy the sounds of Japanese pop music (known as J-Pop) and the taste of Japanese sweets, such as the popular snack pocky: essentially a chocolate covered bread stick. The whole phenomenon of the Otaku is, basically, a tribute to the vividness of Japanese pop culture and the expression of creativity.

WC: 207

Project Proposals

Threading Traditions

Crafts are a wonderful form of recreation that also has great significance in cultures around the world. Quilting, crocheting, knitting, and sewing are all traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation in many different societies. This project would involve a literary as well as a creative component: a paper about the history of these crafts would be accompanied by several samples of different styles of craft work done in different areas of the world. The two would act as references for one another, giving a full presentation and understanding of the impact that these crafts have in the world.

WC: 101

Broadway Beginnings

Theater is an important part of the American identity. Based on examples such as the vivacity of Broadway in New York, theater has clearly become a significant part of American society and a symbol of this country’s great appreciation for the arts. For this project, the main idea would be to explore the history of theater and its impact on American culture from its humble beginnings to the present day, taking a look at where, why, and how it started in this country.

WC: 80

Living In Love

Love songs are admittedly a large part of the modern music industry. They appeal to the most well-known artists as well as to the average citizen. They are truly irresistible. This paper would seek to look at the past history of love songs and show how this genre has changed and developed from the earliest times of its existence up until today. Who originally created this sort of music? When did it become such an important part of the musical world and where did it come from? Also, what different kinds of love songs are there?

WC: 96

Made in Manhattan

At first glance people have a hard time telling where I come from. Even though I’ve been living in Baltimore for the last ten years or so, I am a native New Yorker. Born to a life of skyscrapers, street-side hotdog stands, and Brooklyn convenience stores, I have always loved cities, especially Manhattan. I can still I remember toys sold on the subway, the sound of steel drums reverberating throughout small metro stations, and having lunch in the World Trade Center with my mom and sister. There was nothing more important in my life, it seemed, than the city of my childhood.

Even though I am now an adult and well accustomed to the city of Baltimore, there is nothing like the excitement that comes along with the thought of my home state. But in the year 2010, the bump and grind that defined the New York of the 90's has been replaced by the desire for technology and fashion. Admittedly, Time Square is amazing, but nothing can ever replace the joy that I felt from long trips to the laundromat and well-made New York pizza.The city is a wonderful place to be, and I am so grateful that I had the chance to grow up where I did. In the Big Apple, there is an element of simplicity and a feeling of home wherever you go that is absolutely irreplaceable.

WC: 231