Reader’s Question:
I was told that if I haven’t seen Toy Story, I’m not really a person. How serious is that? They even said it’s worse than not having played Yokai Watch.

Is Not Watching Toy Story a Crime Against Humanity?

So, I recently stumbled upon this intriguing question from a fellow
reader: “If I haven’t seen Toy Story, am I not really a person?” The intensity of that statement initially made me chuckle, but it also got me thinking. I mean, are we really reducing someone’s worth or identity to whether or not they’ve watched a beloved animated film? Let’s dive into this a bit.

Let’s Talk About Toy Story

First off, let me just say, Toy Story is a phenomenal film. It was revolutionary for animation, introduced us to the concept of toys having emotions, and gave us memorable characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear. But, come on, the series has been out since 1995! It’s 2023 now, and like, life happens. Not everyone has had the chance to watch every iconic movie. I remember when I first watched Toy Story. I was probably around eight years old, sitting cross-legged in my living room, eyes glued to the screen, completely captivated. The creativity and heart in that film really set the stage for how I view storytelling in general. But here’s the kicker—just because I enjoyed it doesn’t mean everyone must, right?

Personal Experience: Not All Classics Are Universal

I can relate this to my own experiences with anime. I’ve met people who have never watched classics like Naruto or One Piece. My initial reaction back then was, “Wait, you haven’t seen that? How?” But the truth is, not everyone has the same interests or access to the same media. For example, a friend of mine is totally into indie films and horror flicks, while I’m often lost in the world of shonen battles and slice-of-life dramas. We bond over our differing tastes, and it’s honestly refreshing! Who am I to judge someone based on the movies or shows they’ve seen?

The Social Pressure of Pop Culture

Now, onto that whole idea of being “not really a person” if you haven’t seen Toy Story. I find it a bit absurd, to be honest. It’s like when people say you’re unqualified to have an opinion on anime if you haven’t seen Studio Ghibli films. Sure, they’re masterpieces, but there’s a whole world of content out there! I remember a time when a group of friends was discussing their favorite anime characters, and I threw in a name from a lesser-known series. The way they looked at me—like I had just proposed we go skydiving without parachutes—was priceless! Sure, it stung a bit, but it reminded me that everyone has different backgrounds and experiences.

Embrace the Unknown

So, to the reader feeling pressured about not having watched Toy Story—don’t sweat it! It’s perfectly okay to be a little behind the curve. In fact, you’re in a fantastic position to enjoy it for the first time! Can you imagine how exciting it must be to see those iconic scenes unfold without any prior knowledge? It’s like opening a present without knowing what’s inside. In a world where we often feel pressured to adhere to pop culture standards, it’s essential to carve out our own paths. You can totally own your experience and say, “Hey, I haven’t seen Toy Story, but I’m going to check it out this weekend!” How refreshing is that?

Conclusion: It’s All About Perspective

Ultimately, watching Toy Story or any other movie doesn’t define who you are as a person. It’s about the experiences you create and the connections you build. Whether that’s through films, books, or anime, what matters is that you find joy and meaning in what you consume. So go ahead, embrace the fact that you haven’t seen Toy Story yet. Who knows? It might just become one of your new favorites. And if anyone dares give you grief about it, just smile and remind them of all the fantastic experiences you’ve had that they might not know about. Stay curious, my friends! And remember, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy pop culture. Just enjoy the ride.