Is liking anime just a phase? People in online forums back in 2003 claimed it wasn't but nowadays people under 25 look at me in disgust for liking anime as I approach 40.
People always say "I love anime" and when asked if they ever plan to drop it they say "no".
Time passes for everyone, however. And over time I've noticed newer generations look down on us older folks who started watching anime in the 90s as kids, a trend that was not common before.
To say I'm perplexed is an understatement.
The worst part is that younger folks find almost anything we watch nowadays problematic.
Rezero? "bro you like lolis?? wtf is wrong with you"
CSM? "you know it has SA right? wtf is wrong with you"
One Piece? "you know the author is friends with a PDF right? wtf is wrong with you"
Naruto? "it has the worst ending of all time. wtf is wrong with you"
Rent a Girlfriend? "you know the author is a cuck? wtf is wrong with you"
MHA? "you know the author sexualizes teenagers right? wtf is wrong with you"
Bleach "ragebait used to be good"
Nowadays I just watch anime and keep to myself. I find joy in the anime itself not in discussions. People say anime is not a phase but then reprimand older folks for liking anime as if we're supposed to drop anime after 30 and just watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune reruns on CRT TVs or something.
TLDR: People say watching and liking anime is NOT a phase. Yet the same people treat aging out of anime as an expectation.