Urban Warrior Cybercafe: Geekstyle

5.18.2006

Geekstyle

I browsed several reviews over live-action anime series over the weekend. One of which was Densha Otoko. It was a series which depicts an example of what wikipedia describes as a "Japanese Geek" in his early twenties who wishes to lead a normal life but too shy to find a girlfriend and don't speak openly unless they're online. I won't describe the details so as not to spoil it for those who are curious enough to want to watch it.

The bottom line, before I go any further, is that there is a breed of people who live this lifestyle and are here to stay.

Taking a step back and looking at the Densha Otoko from a big picture, I think there's something really unique about that term - "Japanese Geek". While it is a given that anime and being otaku are the biggest influences of Japan to the world, I can't help think that in every country that has had contact with Japan, more than 50% of the male population from teens to thirties have this "Geek" blood in them already. It only took the influence of Japanese culture as a catalyst to bring it out.

I can see it. A guy's room with a computer, a gaming console, a TV. There are a lot of toys displayed on their shelves. Some of robots and some of female cartoon characters. They are living with their parents. Their salary is around 40,000 yen a month (not very high by Japanese standards).

Typically girls aren't attracted to guys like these. Take note however - guys who fall under this lifestyle are honest and love their hobby like a cult. Believe it or not, they are among the most disciplined when it comes to their craft.

The only caveat I can see in this is how general society perceives this kind of lifestyle. When people see you to be like that (past your 30's and still playing games) they will most probably question your "maturity". According to the traditional old people, you should be raising a family by this time. Well guess what -- the geeks know better.

I'm not just talking about Japanese but people all over the world in general. Usually they expect people to settle and marry. Well that's fine. At some point in time, these people will probably get tired of playing games and will have the courage to find a girl and settle down. The "Japanese Geek" who falls under this category isn't a real Geek. They just "bloomed" differently. Take note I didn't use the term "late bloomed" because everyone has a choice of how to live their life and to them, it IS right - regardless of what social norms or culture declare.

One fine valid point against what the social norms (in japan or wherever) dictate is that the average compensation of the working single male is falling off the salary which is "commensurate to the cost of living" in whichever country. Well, this is probably a highly biased statement (since I know there is a substantial volume of people who are single and pay rent, but have the capacity save a lot, and STILL have substantial disposable income for day-to-day living) but I believe that this is not a problem solveable by personnal discipline alone).

While this state exists in the world, I believe that the Geek lifestyle will proliferate, if not have a strong staying presence, for there is one thing about this lifestyle that is attractive - this is perhaps the only lifestyle that you have full control of your life. That discussion however, is another story.