On a popular comment forum in Japan, users have been
discussing an emerging trend in the world of anime: male characters
with feminine appearances and outfits, known as “ otokonoko ” in Japan or
“trapitos”/”femboy” in the West. , are gaining more and more acceptance and
popularity among fans.
The debate was sparked by a meme that went extremely viral
on the forum. In the meme, two characters are shown with a cute and feminine
aesthetic, leading fans to react very positively. However, the surprise
comes when it is revealed that both characters are men. Contrary to what might
be expected, many fans not only are not bothered by this revelation, but rather
express that they find the situation even more attractive and interesting.
- 1.
Otakus: “Wow! But what pretty girls!”
- 2.
“They are men.”
- 3.
Otakus: “No problem! In fact, it's better! I love it!".
This phenomenon has generated an intense exchange of
opinions on the forum, with some users highlighting that the acceptance of rags
is a sign of openness and diversity in the anime community. They argue
that this trend challenges traditional gender norms and allows for a broader
exploration of identity and expression.
On the other hand, some members express concerns about how
this trend could be perceived by the general public, especially considering
that the appearance of these types of characters in anime could create certain
stereotypes in real life (i.e., otakus would start to to think that all femboys
look like this in real life). However, the majority of the comments
reflect a positive and accepting attitude towards these characters.
- « I
will always be surprised every time I am told that a pretty girl is
actually a man .»
- " I
don't see a problem, after all, I just need a hole ."
- « I'm
an otaku, but I only need the character in question to have cat ears to
fall in love .»
- " The
Japanese have always been like this for generations ."
- « It's
a shame that LGBT activists don't pay attention to this kind of thing,
isn't it something positive for them? ».
- " That's
right, I'm not sure about 3D, but I've always loved femboys in anime ."
- « Not
only is the dislike towards these characters disappearing, but more and
more otakus are interested in femboys in real life. Is masculinity ending? ».
- « Yes,
I admit it, just because I like femboys I am now bisexual, I can't control
it .»
Source: Otakomu
