ghostlightning:

One of the pleasures in writing about anime and manga is when readers discover something to enjoy in what you enjoy (therefore recommend).

However, the nature of attacking what you enjoy, belongs in another dimension of fandom. See the terrible behavior of the Gundam fandom…

The money quote:

Basically, when you express a negative opinion on something, you may be helping someone choose what to consume. And that’s alright.

But when, for example, a reviewer turns a negative review into a diatribe vs. the fans of whatever they don’t like (“if you like this, there’s something wrong with you [ergo there’s nothing wrong with me, as I don’t like it]”), that reviewer is doing it wrong. It isn’t about enjoying art (or not) anymore; it’s about willful refusal to empathize, and that’s something I tend not to tolerate so well.

There we go. Telltale signs of this kind of behavior is the presentation of notions that the naysayers deem as self-evident, and even objectively so.

Indeed there is a refusal to empathize, and truly the opposite of empathy: the intent to put down, ridicule, and act superior towards others.

I’ve made diatribes at certain shows: The Prince of Tennis, Bincho-Tan, and notably Mobile Suit ZZ Gundam. In all cases I endeavored to present (directly or indirectly) how the issues I have are my own, borne out of my possibly unique context experiencing the works.

In hindsight, instead of refusing to empathize with those who would enjoy these shows, I seek empathy for having a negative experience with a show — an activity undertaken to acquire a positive experience. 

Here’s a favorite phrase of mine I hear from tough-guy pundits:

“This show has [element which the reviewer hates] which means everyone will like it. You all suck and I hate you.”

The phrase is presented in a tongue-in-cheek manner, or it’s vaguely implied to be satirical or whatnot, but I don’t buy it. It may be a genuine schtick, but it’s not something I particularly find fun.