Discussion Self-Inserts, do they actually exist?

Self-Insert is a phrase that a lot people use to label characters they dislike that are generally stoic, nice guy, overpowered, or any combination of the three. These characters are also generally in a series that involves romance, action, and usually has a harem.

Now the argument by people that dislike these characters to be "self-insert" is the fact that these characters don't have outgoing or eccentric personalities(which people will label them as bland or even having no personality), thus making it easy to project your own personality on to theirs and since they are usually overpowered, have a harem, or both, people see it as projecting yourself into a power fantasy.

However, here's my counter argument: people who like those types of characters, don't self-insert themselves into them. If you ask them why they like those characters, they will talk about the character and the traits they like about them and will never mention self-inserting or projecting themselves onto them(at least from my experience). Personally, I like some characters that are called self-insert characters by haters, which includes my favorite character Tatsuya Shiba(Mahouka), and I never thought of self-inserting or projecting myself onto them once. So basically I believe "self-insert" is just another buzz phrase with no real weight and thus not credible or valid criticism, but is used over and over again unfortunately. The closest thing to a self-insert imo, would be a relatable character, since those are characters you can see yourself being in their shoes, which isn't a bad thing at all.

Anyways, what are your thoughts on this topic?

 

It just irks me, but then again most buzzwords do. Its just ignorant to think people just assume why people like certain characters, but in reality they are completely off the mark.

The only series I can think even qualifies as having a self-insert character is One Room, its a weird anime where you're put at the POV of the male character in the series and he doesn't even have any dialogue.
https://myanimelist.net/anime/34392/One_Room?q=One ro

Self-Insert is really only a term that works in certain RPGs like Mass Effect and its not a derogatory phrase in that situation at all.

 

People are sheep and dumb. Nothing new.