I never really run into the situation. Most of my friends whether in the real world or online are at least accepting (if not interested themselves) in anime and manga. The few that aren't don't really seem to care too much. I've heard the occasional "What? You like cartoons still?" But, otherwise I don't hear it enough to get offended, and really I don't think I would. I like what I like and I'm not ashamed of it whether it comes to anime or hentai.
However, if they did call me one. I wouldn't mind. I would correct them and be like... "An Otaku is one with a obsessive hobby thingie or something." So... I'm an otaku for sports and anime... I guess... xD
if you're on this site.. you are in fact an otaku... dont deny it. It's alright, you can be many other things and labels don't even have to even apply, but as far as society goes... you're straight up nipon nerd.
I hang around people that dont know what an Otaku is, They know I like Anime and stuff and do rip the piss sometimes but we usually talk about Films, Sport and various other things. (I dont force my world onto people if I know they've got no interest)
no, not really in fact I am proud of it. i don't care what people think I love anime and manga and proud.
Same here, though I've only actually been called it once ( most of the time it's like ''hentai'' followed by random insult ) but I still feelt a little proud of being named as an Otaku instead of an hentai freak.