Why "gamers" receive such a bad rep

[darkcommanderq]

When people start putting people into categories like "gamer" or "popular" or whatever they immediately fall into a group which i call "morons". You are just you. I am me. We are all diffent people with different personalities and interests and that's what makes life so cool.

"You are unique, just like everyone else".

We can be categorized quite easily. I know it sounds nice when you think that everyone is there own person, and while that is true to some extent you cannot deny that a lot of stereotypes exist.

It it really just a coincidence that everyone that I know that likes anime also plays or at least knows about DDR? - No this is the japan geek crowd.

The same analogy can be made for sports fans.

Mabye you dont fall into a group, but there are a ton of people that do. This is not even a bad thing, people naturally like to group up around common internists, and it allows for instant friendship if you find someone who is in the same group as you.

Example: "I cast magic missle at the darkness!"
If you know that line tell me that we wouldn't get into a great conversation about table top gaming if you still think stereotypes dont exist to some extent.

 

[PatrickXD]

I guess the point was more along the lines of:

Why label yourself a "gamer"?

Are you more hostile toward people who are not in your group?

If you are then why?

Do you look the part?

and this one is for everyone gamer or not

Why hate on people for doing something they enjoy as long as it is not causing any one harm?

I label myself as a gamer because I play games, and I don't mind being categorized into such a diverse label.
I'm generally friends with everyone, and an play sport to some extent, however I find it easier to speak to people who share my interest in games.
What does 'look the part' mean? I have long hair and wear jeans, I do have glasses. Is that it?
As long as it does no harm then I don't mind at all.

 

[manythings]

I guess the point was more along the lines of:

Why label yourself a "gamer"?

Are you more hostile toward people who are not in your group?

If you are then why?

Do you look the part?

and this one is for everyone gamer or not

Why hate on people for doing something they enjoy as long as it is not causing any one harm?

I've been saying this for a while every time put up a "Hardcore vs. Casual" or "Are you a gamer" thread. It IS enough to enjoy the hobby there are just plenty of people who want to be in the most awesome group. It's just a function of our tribal "Us vs. Them" nature. We'll never leave it behind so all we can do is recognise when we are doing it and resist it.

 

[Ca3zar416]

The term gamer really doesn't have a meaning. What little meaning it really did have is breaking down. What gamer meant to most people was the anti-social shut in who spent their entire lives in front of a screen in their parents basement. You should all really watch the Extra Credits episode on "Gamers" and their most recent one "Ludus Florentis" as well. They say this much better than I do.

 

[BoredDragon]

dude, it kind of sounds like you are calling all self-proclaimed gamers smart-ass pricks. I'm not sure if this is what you meant to imply, but again this is what I gathered from your rant.

If what I am right about what you are implying then you are making the common mistake of generalizing many on the actions of few. Me and my friends are all gamers and we're not assholes who look down on people. I am anti-social, but that's probably the only reason I don't interact with people outside my circle of friends that much.

 

[creager91]

For those wondering what I mean by Look the part this is kind of the stereotype image at my school, just switch the shirt with any kind of unknown metal or hard rock group

http://cdn.venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/nerd.jpg

 

[creager91]

dude, it kind of sounds like you are calling all self-proclaimed gamers smart-ass pricks. I'm not sure if this is what you meant to imply, but again this is what I gathered from your rant.

If what I am right about what you are implying then you are making the common mistake of generalizing many on the actions of few. Me and my friends are all gamers and we're not assholes who look down on people. I am anti-social, but that's probably the only reason I don't interact with people outside my circle of friends that much.

Haha i can see that you didn't read any of my follow up posts. Its all good though just go ahead and read through those real quick and you'll see that I'm not trying to generalize.

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

What you call elitism is probably more a lack of faith in other peoples good nature, which comes form a history of being kicked around and belittled. Admittedly that's a very insecure attitude but there is a good reason for it.

What does get to me though is PC gamers (before anyone gets offended I'm not saying they're all like this, but this has occurred several times) who make me feel akin to a second class citizen in the 'gaming' community because I'm a "console tard". I play consoles not because I'm a multiplayer whoring Neanderthal with no appreciation of games as art. I'm just rubbish at controlling a game with a keyboard and mouse, that's all! And even if I use a PC controller I'd rather be playing games on the 40' LCD than on my laptop.

 

[creager91]

While I could probably agree to them having been belittled in their history but this was 6th grade when I noticed this and it really just grew as they got older. Upon further reflection I can really see the problem being more circular than anything. Whether they were first made fun of for enjoying games or whether they looked down at others for not understanding their hobby it really doesn't matter as both are plausible causes that would turn people away from each other. And yes Extra Credits is a great show that covers their information very well but I would like to see their source when they refer to gamer. Now everyone is a little biased its human nature but couldn't we say that they are more prone to generalize everyone as a gamer because that is who they are trying to market to? I am sure that no one I have ever talked to has considered their mom or grandparents to be "gamers" they might play games but that doesn't make someone a gamer. Agree? Disagree? open to debate

 

[thelonewolf266]

Gamers are always saying how worried they are that the media is always demonising us but in my opinion the media spend hardly any time attacking us its more that they don't have many positive programs or articles talking about gaming but my point is that even if they do attack gaming its not going to hurt it.The last two biggest entertainment launches in history where both video games.Gaming has become the most profitable form of entertainment so it doesn't have to change due to outside pressure.

 

[BoredDragon]

dude, it kind of sounds like you are calling all self-proclaimed gamers smart-ass pricks. I'm not sure if this is what you meant to imply, but again this is what I gathered from your rant.

If what I am right about what you are implying then you are making the common mistake of generalizing many on the actions of few. Me and my friends are all gamers and we're not assholes who look down on people. I am anti-social, but that's probably the only reason I don't interact with people outside my circle of friends that much.

Haha i can see that you didn't read any of my follow up posts. Its all good though just go ahead and read through those real quick and you'll see that I'm not trying to generalize.

Ok, I read it and I take back what I said. Yet again my laziness has made me look like an ass

 

[WanderingBiscuits]

I've got a different view to everybody else.

Ya see i think that whether you label yourself a gamer or not is irrelevant really.If you play games on a regular basis, then you are in fact a gamer. Simple as. Theres no other criteria to being a gamer.

Regarding Elitism, Well....what social group doesn't have some form of elitism? Ya know. Its pretty common.

 

[creager91]

... and I have also been a bit more intelligent than most of my fellow classmates.

i think the elitist gamer label would fit you quite snugly.

I personally don't see how I fit this criteria but I guess that one would have to live the life I led to have the exact same opinion as me. Although I am curious as to you're personal definition of an elitist. If you would care to elaborate it would be much appreciated.

 

[Togs]

A rant full of self superior self-aggrandisement, rife with the very judgemental bias and unbending faith in stereotypes that you accuse others of having.

 

[Realitycrash]

Also if the grammar nazis would please stay away from this topic that would be greatly appreciated.

No. And I'll tell you why. You see, the only reason I don't know what the hell you are talking about is the fact that your Wall of Text is very persuasive in it's way to want me to totally skip everything you have written.
Please, learn to phrase yourself, so that it looks more appealing and becomes easier to read.
I will also suggest that whenever you write looooong stuff (i.e trying to make a point), always end with a summary. For example, end in
"So, in conclusion..
A:
B:
C:"

Etc. Not meant to offend, but you put people off by opening with Wall of Text. The human mind is lazy, and forgets what it reads easily. Look over any decent schoolbook you got, and you know it won't look like this.

This is all. Constructive criticism. CBA to actually comment on the topic itself, for WoT makes my brain hurt.

 

[Troublesome Lagomorph]

We receive a bad rep?
I always thought that it was people thought that games are just toys and never, ever anything more.

 

[Jennacide]

As far as I'm concerned, gaming is a hobby. Not an identity.

I don't refer to myself as a gamer. I enjoy a wide variety of games. But that isn't my life.

I understand the human need for categorisation. But really. Now we're starting to be identified by our hobbies?

I just find that sad.

Starting? Are you serious? This has been going on for centuries. Just because you never noticed it doesn't mean it hasn't been going on. I'll just put this here: How many skaters did you know(or know of) in high school? How many bikers are there in the world?

While you're at it, look up the word clique. It's basically what the gamer label is.