We all assume that anime-watchers have a certain look to them--or at least I thought they did. I thought they were nerdy outcasts. After all, they were still watching cartoons, even though they were in high school. I thought they needed to grow up. That is, until I started watching it.
The anime community is vast. There are people all around the world who watch anime. Viewers include people you would least expect, my boyfriend being one of them. He just did not seem like the type to me, and frankly neither did I. But, what is the anime-watching type? It doesn't exist, and trust me, do not knock anime until you try it. It does not make you less cool, and it definitely is not a waste of time. Here is why:
Anime is like anything else you've ever watched. There are various genres, some of them not appropriate for kids. That is where the "cartoon" label goes out the window. I have seen the most disturbing things in anime, but I have also seen the most magical. Anime has a way of making you cry, laugh, and feel anxious, all in a short timespan of thirty minutes. It can be as dramatic as "Scandal" or "How to Get Away with Murder." It can be as comical as "The Big Bang Theory" or as romantic as "The Vow." You just have to pick your poison.
Do not get me wrong, though. There is anime that resembles those cartoons that played on Cartoon Network. These include "Dragon Ball Z," "Sailor Moon," "Naruto," and more. You probably recognize at least one of them from your childhood. I do. Well, here is an update on your childhood anime: "Naruto" is still going on. "Sailor Moon" released a new series called "Sailor Moon Crystal." "Dragon Ball Z" is, of course, still going. So if you want to relive those days, like I did with "Sailor Moon," anime can help you!
My point is that you do not have to be a certain kind of person to watch anime. Anyone can watch anime, adults and kids alike! You might even enjoy it. Just go on any one of the many sites that stream shows. They can provide you with different genre categories so that you can find whatever you would like. They are even equipped with English subtitles (subbed) or are voiced by English actors (dubbed) for your convenience. Don't be surprised if you get addicted!
