Anime aqnd Manga is basically a form of entertainment too, such as tv and comics. Of course comics dont exactly have a high status (possibly lower then Anime) of course they are all not aware of Manga from the japanese or our View point, that anime is not genre, but a intrest to some or an obession, of cousrse they are moderate Manga readers, as well those who understand and its increasing very rapidly.
I too also have interest besides Anime. Like Souith Park, Family Guy, Counter Strike, Chuck Norris, and etc. Also I have a small attention span for complex Anime, like Ghost in the Shell, and various others. The world basically simple minded, and want to stay unchange, as they say "Ignorance is Bliss" But I dont think so in this case.