OldAnimeFan

Same here big stigma on it. At least in my area. I usually got a messenger bag handy as I need to lug a bit around. I may have little social skills but it doesn't help you get the "what's wrong with you" stares. We used to have the safe havens of borders and FYE but not anymore.

Before anime was popular, my town had an anime club. We were the only people in town who liked it.  Today, I don’t think there are any fans in my town (besides teens, if any). I have some anime items that I carry around and I get stares.  I don’t care anymore what people think about my hobby. It’s just kind of funny since the townsfolk  (who are from a northern state) thinks it’s weird to have a naruto wallet, but having the confederate flag on everything is ok.  Lol