general Why are people proud of seemingly everything?

[Keiyara 22]

Sorry if I come off as offensive, but this is something that's really been bothering me lately.

 

Why are people proud of everything/anything? Whether it be something you didn't chose (American, British, Canadian, etc.) or something downright unimportant (being part of a fandom, supporting a certain ship, having your hair in a certain fashion, etc.), also I AREN'T saying you should be ashamed of anything, but still, why exactly are people so proud of such insignificant things like being a brony or having a disorder?

 

I can understand being proud of something like a profesion (doctor, fire/policeman, engineer, etc.), but being proud of being stuff so minor like being a brony or being a COD fan? What exactly is the point of that?

 

Are they actually outright "proud" of that stuff, or are they just happy about them? There's nothing wrong with being happy about anything, but being proud of it? Honestly, they're not worth being proud of, and seeing someone proud of being something minor (autistic, a brony, wearing certain clothes, etc.) is just really annoying and has no use to it.

 

Honestly, you don't have to be proud of something to enjoy it. Thank you for reading my post.

[ConcorDisparate 385]

I have something on the topic which you might consider interesting. Few sentences are not 100% on the topic, but it's mostly about pride : a study about the way it works.

Quote from David Hume in "Dissertation on the Passions" : (from Section II, part 7 to 11) :

 

 

 

Beauty of all kinds gives us a peculiar delight and satisfaction; as deformity produces pain, upon whatever subject it may be placed, and whether surveyed in an animate or inanimate object. If the beauty or deformity belong to our own face, shape, or person, this pleasure or uneasiness is converted into pride or humility; as having in this case all the circumstances requisite to produce a perfect transition, according to the present theory.

 

It would seem, that the very essence of beauty consists in its power of producing pleasure. All its effects, therefore, must proceed from this circumstance: And if beauty is so universally the subject of vanity, it is only from its being the cause of pleasure.

 

Concerning all other bodily accomplishments, we may observe in general, that whatever in ourselves is either useful, beautiful, or surprizing, is an object of pride; and the contrary of humility. These qualities agree in producing a separate pleasure; and agree in nothing else.

 

We are vain of the surprizing adventures which we have met with, the escapes which we have made, the dangers to which we have been exposed; as well as of our surprising feats of vigour and activity. Hence the origin of vulgar lying; where men, without any interest, and merely out of vanity, heap up a number of extraordinary events, which are either the fictions of their brain; or, if true, have no connexion with themselves. Their fruitful invention supplies them with a variety of adventures; and where that talent is wanting, they appropriate such as belong to others, in order to gratify their vanity: For between that passion, and the sentiment of pleasure, there is always a close connexion.

 

8. But though pride and humility have the qualities of our mind and body, that is, of self, for their natural and more immediate causes; we find by experience, that many other objects produce these affections. We found vanity upon houses, gardens, equipage, and other external objects; as well as upon personal merit and accomplishments. This happens when external objects acquire any particular relation to ourselves, and are associated or connected with us. A beautiful fish in the ocean, a well-proportioned animal in a forest, and indeed, any thing, which neither belongs nor is related to us, has no manner of influence on our vanity; whatever extraordinary qualities it may be endowed with, and whatever degree of surprize and admiration it may naturally occasion. It must be someway associated with us, in order to touch our pride. Its idea must hang, in a manner, upon that of ourselves; and the transition from one to the other must be easy and natural.

 

Men are vain of the beauty either of their country, or their county, or even of their parish. Here the idea of beauty plainly produces a pleasure. This pleasure is related to pride. The object or cause of this pleasure is, by the supposition, related to self, the object of pride. By this double relation of sentiments and ideas, a transition is made from one to the other.

 

Men are also vain of the happy temperature of the climate, in which they are born; of the fertility of their native soil; of the goodness of the wines, fruits, or victuals, produced by it; of the softness or force of their language, with other particulars of that kind. These objects have plainly a reference to the pleasures of sense, and are originally considered as agreeable to the feeling, taste or hearing. How could they become causes of pride, except by means of that transition above explained?

 

There are some, who discover a vanity of an opposite kind, and affect to depreciate their own country, in comparison of those, to which they have travelled. These persons find, when they are at home, and surrounded with their countrymen, that the strong relation between them and their own nation is shared with so many, that it is in a manner lost to them; whereas, that distant relation to a foreign country, which is formed by their having seen it, and lived in it, is augmented by their considering how few have done the same. For this reason, they always admire the beauty, utility, and rarity of what they met with abroad, above what they find at home.

 

Since we can be vain of a country, climate, or any inanimate object, which bears a relation to us; it is no wonder we should be vain of the qualities of those, who are connected with us by blood or friendship. Accordingly we find, that any qualities which, when belonging to ourselves, produce pride, produce also, in a less degree, the same affection, when discovered in persons, related to us. The beauty, address, merit, credit, and honours of their kindred are carefully displayed by the proud, and are considerable sources of their vanity.

 

As we are proud of riches in ourselves, we desire, in order to gratify our vanity, that every one who has any connexion with us, should likewise be possessed of them, and are ashamed of such as are mean or poor among our friends and relations. Our forefathers being regarded as our nearest relations; every one naturally affects to be of a good family, and to be descended from a long succession of rich and honourable ancestors.

 

Those, who boast of the antiquity of their families, are glad when they can join this circumstance, that their ancestors, for many generations, have been uninterrupted proprietors of the same portion of land, and that their family has never changed its possessions, or been transplanted into any other county or province. It is an additional subject of vanity, when they can boast, that these possessions have been transmitted through a descent, composed entirely of males, and that the honours and fortune have never passed through any female. Let us endeavour to explain these phaenomena from the foregoing theory.

 

When any one values himself on the antiquity of his family, the subjects of his vanity are not merely the extent of time and number of ancestors (for in that respect all mankind are alike), but these circumstances, joined to the riches and credit of his ancestors, which are supposed to reflect a lustre on himself, upon account of his connexion with them. Since therefore the passion depends on the connexion, whatever strengthens the connexion must also encrease the passion, and whatever weakens the connexion must diminish the passion. But it is evident, that the sameness of the possessions must strengthen the relation of ideas, arising from blood and kindred, and convey the fancy with greater facility from one generation to another; from the remotest ancestors to their posterity, who are both their heirs and their descendants. By this facility, the sentiment is transmitted more entire, and excites a greater degree of pride and vanity.

 

The case is the same with the transmission of the honours and fortune, through a succession of males, without their passing through any female. It is an obvious quality of human nature, that the imagination naturally turns to whatever is important and considerable; and where two objects are presented, a small and a great, it usually leaves the former, and dwells entirely on the latter. This is the reason, why children commonly bear their father’s name, and are esteemed to be of a nobler or meaner birth, according to his family. And though the mother should be possessed of superior qualities to the father, as often happens, the general rule prevails, notwithstanding the exception, according to the doctrine, which shall be explained afterwards. Nay, even when a superiority of any kind is so great, or when any other reasons have such an effect, as to make the children rather represent the mother’s family than the father’s, the general rule still retains an efficacy, sufficient to weaken the relation, and make a kind of breach in the line of ancestors. The imagination runs not along them with the same facility, nor is able to transfer the honour and credit of the ancestors to their posterity of the same name and family so readily, as when the transition is conformable to the general rule, and passes through the male line, from father to son, or from brother to brother.

 

9. But property, as it gives us the fullest power and authority over any object, is the relation, which has the greatest influence on these passions.

 

Every thing, belonging to a vain man, is the best that is any where to be found. His houses, equipage, furniture, cloaths, horses, hounds, excel all others in his conceit; and it is easy to observe, that, from the least advantage in any of these, he draws a new subject of pride and vanity. His wine, if you will believe him, has a finer flavour than any other; his cookery is more exquisite; his table more orderly; his servants more expert; the air, in which he lives, more healthful; the soil, which he cultivates, more fertile; his fruits ripen earlier, and to greater perfection: Such a thing is remarkable for its novelty; such another for its antiquity: This is the workmanship of a famous artist; that belonged once to such a prince or great man. All objects, in a word, which are useful, beautiful, or surprizing, or are related to such, may, by means of property, give rise to this passion. These all agree in giving pleasure. This alone is common to them; and therefore must be the quality, that produces the passion, which is their common effect. As every new instance is a new argument, and as the instances are here without number; it would seem, that this theory is sufficiently confirmed by experience.

 

Riches imply the power of acquiring whatever is agreeable; and as they comprehend many particular objects of vanity, necessarily become one of the chief causes of that passion.

 

10. Our opinions of all kinds are strongly affected by society and sympathy, and it is almost impossible for us to support any principle or sentiment, against the universal consent of every one, with whom we have any friendship or correspondence. But of all our opinions, those, which we form in our own favour; however lofty or presuming; are, at bottom, the frailest, and the most easily shaken by the contradiction and opposition of others. Our great concern, in this case, makes us soon alarmed, and keeps our passions upon the watch: Our consciousness of partiality still makes us dread a mistake: And the very difficulty of judging concerning an object, which is never set at a due distance from us, nor is seen in a proper point of view, makes us hearken anxiously to the opinions of others, who are better qualified to form just opinions concerning us. Hence that strong love of fame, with which all mankind are possessed. It is in order to fix and confirm their favourable opinion of themselves, not from any original passion, that they seek the applauses of others. And when a man desires to be praised, it is for the same reason, that a beauty is pleased with surveying herself in a favourable looking-glass, and seeing the reflection of her own charms.

 

Though it be difficult, in all points of speculation, to distinguish a cause, which encreases an effect, from one, which solely produces it; yet in the present case the phaenomena seem pretty strong and satisfactory in confirmation of the foregoing principle.

 

We receive a much greater satisfaction from the approbation of those whom we ourselves esteem and approve of, than of those whom we contemn and despise.

 

When esteem is obtained after a long and intimate acquaintance, it gratifies our vanity in a peculiar manner.

 

The suffrage of those, who are shy and backward in giving praise, is attended with an additional relish and enjoyment, if we can obtain it in our favour.

 

Where a great man is delicate in his choice of favourites, every one courts with greater earnestness his countenance and protection.

 

Praise never gives us much pleasure, unless it concur with our own opinion, and extol us for those qualities, in which we chiefly excel.

 

These phaenomena seem to prove, that the favourable suffrages of the world are regarded only as authorities, or as confirmations of our own opinion. And if the opinions of others have more influence in this subject than in any other, it is easily accounted for from the nature of the subject.

 

11. Thus few objects, however related to us, and whatever pleasure they produce, are able to excite a great degree of pride or self-satisfaction; unless they be also obvious to others, and engage the approbation of the spectators. What disposition of mind so desirable as the peaceful, resigned, contented; which readily submits to all the dispensations of providence, and preserves a constant serenity amidst the greatest misfortunes and disappointments? Yet this disposition, though acknowledged to be a virtue or excellence, is seldom the foundation of great vanity or self-applause; having no brilliancy or exterior lustre, and rather cheering the heart, than animating the behaviour and conversation. The case is the same with many other qualities of the mind, body, or fortune; and this circumstance, as well as the double relations above mentioned, must be admitted to be of consequence in the production of these passions.

 

A second circumstance, which is of consequence in this affair, is the constancy and durableness of the object. What is very casual and inconstant, beyond the common course of human affairs, gives little joy, and less pride. We are not much satisfied with the thing itself; and are still less apt to feel any new degree of self-satisfaction upon its account. We foresee and anticipate its change; which makes us little satisfied with the thing itself: We compare it to ourselves, whose existence is more durable; by which means its inconstancy appears still greater. It seems ridiculous to make ourselves the object of a passion, on account of a quality or possession, which is of so much shorter duration, and attends us during so small a part of our existence.

 

A third circumstance, not to be neglected, is that the objects, in order to produce pride or self-value, must be peculiar to us, or at least common to us with a few others. The advantages of sun-shine, good weather, a happy climate, &c. distinguish us not from any of our companions, and give us no preference or superiority. The comparison, which we are every moment apt to make, presents no inference to our advantage; and we still remain, notwithstanding these enjoyments, on a level with all our friends and acquaintance.

 

As health and sickness vary incessantly to all men, and there is no one, who is solely or certainly fixed in either; these accidental blessings and calamities are in a manner separated from us, and are not considered as a foundation for vanity or humiliation. But wherever a malady of any kind is so rooted in our constitution, that we no longer entertain any hope of recovery, from that moment it damps our self-conceit, as is evident in old men, whom nothing mortifies more than the consideration of their age and infirmities. They endeavour, as long as possible, to conceal their blindness and deafness, their rheums and gouts; nor do they ever avow them without reluctance and uneasiness. And though young men are not ashamed of every head-ach or cold which they fall into; yet no topic is more proper to mortify human pride, and make us entertain a mean opinion of our nature, than this, that we are every moment of our lives subject to such infirmities. This proves, that bodily pain and sickness are in themselves proper causes of humility; though the custom of estimating every thing, by comparison, more than by its intrinsic worth and value, makes us overlook those calamities, which we find incident to every one, and causes us to form an idea of our merit and character, independent of them.

 

We are ashamed of such maladies as affect others, and are either dangerous or disagreeable to them. Of the epilepsy; because it gives a horror to every one present: Of the itch; because it is infectious: Of the king’s evil; because it often goes to posterity. Men always consider the sentiments of others in their judgment of themselves.

 

A fourth circumstance, which has an influence on these passions, is general rules; by which we form a notion of different ranks of men, suitably to the power or riches of which they are possessed; and this notion is not changed by any peculiarities of the health or temper of the persons, which may deprive them of all enjoyment in their possessions. Custom readily carries us beyond the just bounds in our passions, as well as in our reasonings.

 

It may not be amiss to observe on this occasion, that the influence of general rules and maxims on the passions very much contributes to facilitate the effects of all the principles or internal mechanism, which we here explain. For it seems evident, that, if a person full grown, and of the same nature with ourselves, were on a sudden transported into our world, he would be much embarrassed with every object, and would not readily determine what degree of love or hatred, of pride or humility, or of any other passion should be excited by it. The passions are often varied by very inconsiderable principles; and these do not always play with perfect regularity, especially on the first trial. But as custom or practice has brought to light all these principles, and has settled the just value of every thing; this must certainly contribute to the easy production of the passions, and guide us, by means of general established rules, in the proportions, which we ought to observe in preferring one object to another. This remark may, perhaps, serve to obviate difficulties, that may arise concerning some causes, which we here ascribe to particular passions, and which may be esteemed too refined to operate so universally and certainly, as they are found to do.

 

 

 

 

 

http://rci.rutgers.edu/~tripmcc/phil/hume-fourdissertations.pdf(starting at page 24)

(What I quoted is from here, but not practical : http://www.davidhume.org/texts/fd.html )

 

Part 11 is probably the most related to the topic, if you don't want to read the whole thing.

Edited June 6, 2016 by ConcorDisparate

[Guest]

I reserve pride for accomplishments.

[Member Berry 1,217]

I completely agree. I had no choice in where I was born or what colour skin I have, I was just born that way. There is no accomplishment in me being Welsh and white. I'm proud of things I've actually done.

[Jokuc 8,172]

I wonder the same thing. It makes absolutely no sense to me, especially when people say stuff like "oh I'm so proud of being gay" or "oh I'm so proud of being a brony" .......Why would you be proud of that? No matter how I look at it, I just can't see it. I'm gayish and a brony too but I would never consider those things as something to be proud of. When I think of pride I think about things you have accomplished. I think about that good feeling about yourself you get once you have managed to do something or done something that you feel is the right thing to do. Accepting yourself does not equal being proud, IMO. That's just having good self-esteem.

 

Technically I'm wrong... cause Mr. Dictionary says:

 

"1. A becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one's position or character; self-respect; self-esteem.

2. Pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself. (Also called Civic Pride)"

 

So saying "I'm proud of having low IQ" is apparently the same as saying "I have low IQ but I respect myself anyway"

...but idk to me pride will always be that second one.

[Emiko Gale 199]

On things like being autistic and say a certain race...

 

Disability discrimination is still a thing...And some idiotic parents are mourning because they don't have a perfect child...So since having a disability is seen so negatively I think people with disabilities or are handicapped deserve to say something like "Hey! I use a wheelchair and I'm proud of it!"

 

And as a person who lives in the city where most of the population is Hispanic it's sad to know that there isn't much positive Mexican representation and being Hispanic is still seen so negatively...The Hispanic people in my city deserve their chance to shine.

[Castle Bleck 19,167]

Presumably because of a combination of nature and nurture among humanity.

 

And probably because of The Devil's insatiable pride fetish, too.

Edited June 6, 2016 by A.V.

[Member Berry 1,217]

On things like being autistic and say a certain race...

 

Disability discrimination is still a thing...And some idiotic parents are mourning because they don't have a perfect child...So since having a disability is seen so negatively I think people with disabilities or are handicapped deserve to say something like "Hey! I use a wheelchair and I'm proud of it!"

 

And as a person who lives in the city where most of the population is Hispanic it's sad to know that there isn't much positive Mexican representation and being Hispanic is still seen so negatively...The Hispanic people in my city deserve their chance to shine.

I have a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and I wouldn't say I'm "proud" to have it. It's just something that's a part of me. I'm not ashamed of having it either. It's not something I decided to have or it's not something I've worked for. 

[Zyrael 1,471]

Well, I don't think there's anything wrong with saying stuff like "I'm proud of being a brony" or "I'm proud that I'm gay"  because many people don't want you to be proud of that. They want you to be ashamed of it. So the point is to be proud of who you are, and let others know that, even if they don't like it.

[Emiko Gale 199]

I have a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and I wouldn't say I'm "proud" to have it. It's just something that's a part of me. I'm not ashamed of having it either. It's not something I decided to have or it's not something I've worked for. 

 

I have aspeargers and ADHD...I only recently found out I have it...Now don't get me wrong I am all for being proud of accomplishments too...But an accomplishment is subjective...Maybe someone feels accomplished by hurting someone...

 

My parents and relatives would bully me for this type of stuff...And here I am all like, yes I have mental disabilities...But don't underestimate me, I'm awesome. And I'm allowed to say that...Even if it makes others angry.

 

Well, I don't think there's anything wrong with saying stuff like "I'm proud of being a brony" or "I'm proud that I'm gay"  because many people don't want you to be proud of that. They want you to be ashamed of it. So the point is to be proud of who you are, and let others know that, even if they don't like it.

 

Basically what this pony said^

[Member Berry 1,217]

I have aspeargers and ADHD...I only recently found out I have it...Now don't get me wrong I am all for being proud of accomplishments too...But an accomplishment is subjective...Maybe someone feels accomplished by hurting someone...

 

My parents and relatives would bully me for this type of stuff...And here I am all like, yes I have mental disabilities...But don't underestimate me, I'm awesome. And I'm allowed to say that...Even if it makes others angry.

 

 

Basically what this pony said^

Sorry to hear that My boyfriend has Aspergers so I get how shitty it can be. 

[Emiko Gale 199]

So yes...I get why everyone wonders why a person would be proud of something they cannot control...I used to wonder as well but then I remember being gay, or bi, or black or Hispanic, being in a wheelchair, or having autism...They are still seen negatively.

 

So that's why there are gay pride parades and such.

[Concerned Bystander 2,901]

People choose to take pride in who they because having a sense a positivity about oneself is key to being happy.  Some people express that positivity in smaller things, either because it matters to them, or because maybe they don't (yet) have any great accomplishments to focus their pride on, so they take what they can get.

 

Some of the little things that people take pride in may seem odd to others, but it's their train set, and they can play with it however they want.

[Invincible 2,090]

You have every right to be proud in who you are or what you have, if it makes you feel better.

 

Some people see belonging to a certain ethnicity or a nation, holding a certain status or even sexual orientation as a virtue to be proud of (like having patriotism).

Edited June 6, 2016 by Tarnish

[d^_^b 27]

On things like being autistic and say a certain race...

 

Disability discrimination is still a thing...And some idiotic parents are mourning because they don't have a perfect child...So since having a disability is seen so negatively I think people with disabilities or are handicapped deserve to say something like "Hey! I use a wheelchair and I'm proud of it!"

 

And as a person who lives in the city where most of the population is Hispanic it's sad to know that there isn't much positive Mexican representation and being Hispanic is still seen so negatively...The Hispanic people in my city deserve their chance to shine.

 

I'm not proud of being autistic, only accept it as a part of who/what I am. I agree with the OP. And ableism, racism, and other forms of hate based on something that you're born with or choice of fandom, style, etc... I would say that it's stupid or small-minded, but it's due to fear and selfishness, parts of human nature.

 

Nobody wants to raise a child with any sort of disability, they want their kids to grow up healthy and successfully and move out of the house after they finish high school and, ultimately, become productive members of society. Everybody wants the same privileges as the next guy, and are afraid that they will live in poverty because of a disabled child who "ruined [their lives]". It's sad. The reason why the Nazis killed the disabled members of their homogeneous and collectivist society was because they really wanted to compete with other world superpowers such as the United States and the Soviet Union and wanted the world to see their Aryan race to be gods among all humans. They wanted to be proud of their race. 

[Emiko Gale 199]

I'm not proud of being autistic, only accept it as a part of who/what I am. I agree with the OP. And ableism, racism, and other forms of hate based on something that you're born with or choice of fandom, style, etc... I would say that it's stupid or small-minded, but it's due to fear and selfishness, parts of human nature.

 

Nobody wants to raise a child with any sort of disability, they want their kids to grow up healthy and successfully and move out of the house after they finish high school and, ultimately, become productive members of society. Everybody wants the same privileges as the next guy, and are afraid that they will live in poverty because of a disabled child who "ruined [their lives]". It's sad. The reason why the Nazis killed the disabled members of their homogeneous and collectivist society was because they really wanted to compete with other world superpowers such as the United States and the Soviet Union and wanted the world to see their Aryan race to be gods among all humans. They wanted to be proud of their race. 

 

Well ok ok...Sometimes pride goes too far...It's one of the seven deadly sins for a reason. But a little reasonable pride doesn't hurt.

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 40,297]

I think this is because we all want to feel special in some way, but the reality is, most of us just aren't.

[Solid 1,326]

Depends on what you mean by "proud." People have different interpretations of the word.

 

Feeling confident for what you stand for is quite different from taking pride too far.

 

The wonderful and scary thing about perception is it could turn some of the most amazing achievements into nothing, and turn some of the most trivial accomplishments into something to rejoice about.

Edited June 7, 2016 by Solid

[Luna the Great of all the Russias 2,705]

I think being proud of your ethnicity makes sense because I see it as kind of an extension (rather large one) of your family; like how you could be proud of your children/parents/siblings/etc. of what they achieved, I think same could be extended to your heritage.

 

However, having pride in wanting to have sexual intercourse with certain peoples makes no sense to me; it only makes sense to me as response to opposition if anything but not being proud of it for sake of being proud of it (don't mistake this statement as saying you should be ashamed of it because the point is acceptance rather than pride). I would say same for being part of any fandom; I would consider myself a Brony but I wouldn't say I'm proud of it.

Edited June 7, 2016 by Tsaritsa Luna

[Emiko Gale 199]

While were still on topic...If anything I question why some people find some sort of pride out of being a jerk but if I were to question that out loud I would be told I "don't know how the real world works" or something else.

[cmarston1 5,952]

Sometimes it can get a bit annoying, but I reserve my pride for actual accomplishments.

[Moony the Cat 3,697]

Thats a very easy Question for me, because some People dont have anything else, that they can be proud of, so they just choose the simple things, that they actually can get proud of.

 

I have currently over 1000 Posts here and im kinda proud.

That doesnt give me anything and i didnt really accomplished anything, but thats one of the only things i did, that is even slightly mentionable.

 

If i wouldnt be proud of seemingly useless things, than i would just feel like the unnecessary waste of existence, that i am.

I would be reminded, that i didnt accomplished anything in life and that i am completely useless.

Being Proud of small things, is the only thing i have left.

Im sorry, if that annoys you.

[Sals 56]

The OP question reminds me of this question on this quiz I took, I don't remember exactly but it went a little like this

 

"Do you think that your race has superior qualities?"

 

I chose no, it is impossible to choose your race when you are born

 

I believe being proud of something you can't change is rather stupid.

 

but go LGBT pride.

[Lisa 5,552]

Like Kyoshi said, because we want to feel special. But also because we want to feel apart of a group. In the case of being proud of one's nationality, the rationale would be to fulfil a desire to be a member of something successful. People are proud of their country because of its accomplishments throughout history whether it be innovations, ideas or even victories in wars/competitions against other countries. By openly expressing that we're associated with that accomplishment, we're conjunctively saying, "I'm great because my country is great," (Or something along those lines.)

[IsraelYabuki 439]

Well depending on what their proud of is the issue in my book. If someone tells me their proud to be either "a brony" or "gay" or even proud of being an "otaku" I just give them a thumbs up and say "good 4 u." However being proud of stuff like "being in a gang" or "being a jerk" or "being a pimp" then that's what really bothers me because I don't like people like that.