Meh, it's a pretty neutral term. You wouldn't use it in the workplace or when introducing yourself to a woman, but like "geek" now in the West it's pretty common and plenty of girls call themselves otaku. (at least privately)
In the West being the key phrase. Being an otaku is not "cool" in Japan, and likely never will be. " Otaku " itself is a derogatory term and always has been, even if a few people consider it a badge of honor. In Japan, people tend to not be very open about their hobbies, especially if there's a perception that they'll be frowned upon like Anime and Gun Otaku's
Meh, it's a pretty neutral term. You wouldn't use it in the workplace or when introducing yourself to a woman, but like "geek" now in the West it's pretty common and plenty of girls call themselves otaku. (at least privately)
In the West being the key phrase. Being an otaku is not "cool" in Japan, and likely never will be. " Otaku " itself is a derogatory term and always has been, even if a few people consider it a badge of honor. In Japan, people tend to not be very open about their hobbies, especially if there's a perception that they'll be frowned upon like Anime and Gun Otaku's