Is there any social stigma against gamers?

Hi guys, so I've just entered college and everyone is really old and mature (except for the freshmen obviously).

The thing is besides me there was this guy watching a LoL or Dota video (wasn't paying too much attention) on his tablet and laughing about what the gamers were saying in the video. People already started to make fun of him because of that. I didn't get it obviously, because I like to play games aswell (not to the point of watching videos in class, but to each his own) so if the guy likes his games it's his business.

Is it there a social stigma already that gamers are from the beggining labeled as losers, nerds and no-lifers?

1st thread was locked on OT because we can't talk about gaming there. 2nd thread was locked on SW due to my level.

Many people ( Including my girlfriend ) think Video Games are for kids or children. So If your older & playing video games they assume you are immature. To me i believe these ppl don't know anything about video games or arent interested so they label ppl.

Yes, there most definitely is. I pulled a 3DS out in the internet cafe while my friend from Chemistry was practicing Chinese and she asked how old I was. My videogame hobby isn't something that I really like to share with others openly, not at first at least, and I will admit I have a certain amount of prejudice and preconceived notions against the annoyingly loud bombastic gamers who frequent the internet cafe and shout things across the room.

I'd be inclined to agree that there is. I also don't share my appreciation for video games initially, in most cases. Most of the time when I let someone know, I'm immediately met with a frown, puzzled look and the all-too common "You're how old and you're still playing those things?"

Conicidentally, I started classes earlier this year. One of my first courses was a Speech/Communication course, and the first assignment in said course was to prepare a speech about the qualities of successful people. I remember a young lady presenting, and during her speech, she happened to provide this example: "... like lazy people who play videogames all day, and never accomplish anything." Of course, me being an avid videogame player, my first thought upon hearing this was "Oh, come on this again?"

So anyway, the time comes for me to present, and sure enough, I get up there and deliver. We get our results back later, and I happen to score the best result on the assignment in my class. The professor asks me to give my peers advice, and while I'm doing so, a guy says "You must spend all your time at the library", to which I reply, "Actually no, I only spent a few hours there yesterday. I play a ton of video games in my free time."

...The resulting expression on that young lady's face after I said that was all kinds of satsifying. That's right. The "lazy" gamer produced the best result.  

Maybe but I haven't really experienced any kind of harassment or negative comments.

At work it's kind of the opposite, if you don't play video games or watch sports heavily you're left out of a lot of conversations.

I'd be inclined to agree that there is. I also don't share my appreciation for video games initially, in most cases. Most of the time when I let someone know, I'm immediately met with a frown, puzzled look and the all-too common "You're how old and you're still playing those things?"

Conicidentally, I started classes earlier this year. One of my first courses was a Speech/Communication course, and the first assignment in said course was to prepare a speech about the qualities of successful people. I remember a young lady presenting, and during her speech, she happened to provide this example: "... like lazy people who play videogames all day, and never accomplish anything." Of course, me being an avid videogame player, my first thought upon hearing this was "Oh, come on this again?"

So anyway, the time comes for me to present, and sure enough, I get up there and deliver. We get our results back later, and I happen to score the best result on the assignment in my class. The professor asks me to give my peers advice, and while I'm doing so, a guy says "You must spend all your time at the library", to which I reply, "Actually no, I only spent a few hours there yesterday. I play a ton of video games in my free time."

...The resulting expression on that young lady's face after I said that was all kinds of satsifying. That's right. The "lazy" gamer produced the best result.  

gpuFX16

If there's higher priorities (eg work, family, studies, etc) ahead still, sure. I put them ahead of gaming as do my wife and my friends. Once I have a measurement of accomplishment in those priorities, then, I can indulge in some gaming. I'm gaming a lot more now than when I was single. That said, I didn't give up gaming totally back then. I still gamed some. If someone thought it was silly? F-em. 

Nah I think its seen as kinda chic to be a geek nowadays and gaming is a part of that.

Depends a lot on where you live too. In a farming country community like my neighborhood, definitely.guynamedbilly

And there's that new overly dramatic truck commercial (i think it's John Cusack narrating) about the father who uses his new truck to pry his kid away from his "computer games" (which is apparently all the kid ever does...and seriously, who says "computer games?") to go outside somewhere. And, lo and behold, to the kid's suprise he enjoys being outside.

Just shake your head and move on. In 32 years, I've never met a person fit to judge anyone else for how they spend their free time.

But people are stupid about it right now, and I wouldn't put it on a resume or anything, but in social situations, be free with it. If someone takes issue, you don't want to know them, anyway.

Things I hate about the media or other social others that hate on videogames

1. Media news thinks we all turn into killers and thieves when there's a new Grand Theft Auto game. 

2. When an adult is playing a handheld and minding his/her own business, they get picked on for playing a videogame handheld in public

3. Media thinks we're all a bunch of fat stinky slobs playing World of Warcraft or some other online game

Before we all start playing the victim, I'd like to remind everyone that this medium is full of childish assholes ! They make up a large portian of the industry ! Honestly, I don't blame the media. I blame you, ALL OF YOU !

Stop Right There !

Before we all start playing the victim, I'd like to remind everyone that this medium is full of childish assholes ! They make up a large portian of the industry ! Honestly, I don't blame the media. I blame you, ALL OF YOU !

Lulu_Lulu

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"]Stop Right There !

Before we all start playing the victim, I'd like to remind everyone that this medium is full of childish assholes ! They make up a large portian of the industry ! Honestly, I don't blame the media. I blame you, ALL OF YOU !

Minishdriveby

Yes the silly belief that games cuase violience

that gamers are misogynistic

that gamers are fat and nerdy

Yes there is, and I honestly can't blame those who take the view.  Listen in on any CoD online match.  But then again, there's assholes in every medium that brings out stigmas/sterotypes in it.  I just keep my gaming to myself mostly.  I usually don't bring it up as a topic of discussion when first meeting people, and only then talk about it with them if they direct the conversation that way.

Yes the silly belief that games cuase violience

that gamers are misogynistic

that gamers are fat and nerdy

[QUOTE="Minishdriveby"][QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"]Stop Right There !

Before we all start playing the victim, I'd like to remind everyone that this medium is full of childish assholes ! They make up a large portian of the industry ! Honestly, I don't blame the media. I blame you, ALL OF YOU !

Lulu_Lulu

You haven't even brought up any reasons why you think so.

I see people of all ages in gaming stores from all walks of life, both male and female, buying games and you can tell it's not always for their kids but for themselves. Honestly there should be a social stigma aginst people who watch reality tv shows.

Every reality tv show I've seen showcases self entitled bimbos and derp jocks making an ass of themselves over silly shit. At least a good video game can stimulate a healthy debate, diverse viewpoints or an open interpretation.

What can you get from watching dumb shit like Love and Hip Hop, Jersey Shore or The Real Housewives other than, 'that chic got some tig ol bitties'. Lol, anyone calling a gaming a nerd or a loser or thinks gaming is for kids, usually is a shallow person which not much intellect to offer when you get them in a one on one conversation.

Whoever has a dismissive view about gaming, I say duck em and keep doing what you enjoy so as long as it doesn't intervene with your priorities.

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"][QUOTE="Minishdriveby"] It's a little bit of a mix. Of course, saying everyone is a childish asshole is a sweeping generalization, but I've seen, first hand, College kids throwing tantrums because they couldn't beat a level. The loud, obnoxious, immature kids are the ones I try to avoid, not just the 'gamers' but those types of people in general.whiskeystrike

You haven't even brought up any reasons why you think so.

Conicidentally, I started classes earlier this year. One of my first courses was a Speech/Communication course, and the first assignment in said course was to prepare a speech about the qualities of successful people. I remember a young lady presenting, and during her speech, she happened to provide this example: "... like lazy people who play videogames all day, and never accomplish anything." Of course, me being an avid videogame player, my first thought upon hearing this was "Oh, come on this again?"

So anyway, the time comes for me to present, and sure enough, I get up there and deliver. We get our results back later, and I happen to score the best result on the assignment in my class. The professor asks me to give my peers advice, and while I'm doing so, a guy says "You must spend all your time at the library", to which I reply, "Actually no, I only spent a few hours there yesterday. I play a ton of video games in my free time."

...The resulting expression on that young lady's face after I said that was all kinds of satsifying. That's right. The "lazy" gamer produced the best result.  

gpuFX16

Hi guys, so I've just entered college and everyone is really old and mature (except for the freshmen obviously).

The thing is besides me there was this guy watching a LoL or Dota video (wasn't paying too much attention) on his tablet and laughing about what the gamers were saying in the video. People already started to make fun of him because of that. I didn't get it obviously, because I like to play games aswell (not to the point of watching videos in class, but to each his own) so if the guy likes his games it's his business.

Is it there a social stigma already that gamers are from the beggining labeled as losers, nerds and no-lifers?

1st thread was locked on OT because we can't talk about gaming there. 2nd thread was locked on SW due to my level.

Tqricardinho

I dunno how it is in America, but in Norway, yes, there's definitely some stigma in regards to gamers and video games in general.

Of course, some people are more understanding. But then again, there's people who look down on movie buffs, or even people who like to read (I dunno how many times in my life I've been called a film nerd, or a bookwork, just 'cus I love movies and books). But, hey, what're you gonna do?

Most of the people I surround myself with, don't play video games, but they can at least understand part of the appeal. That's really all that matters. I honestly don't care if people look down on "gamers" or not; I'll keep loving what I love regardless ;)

I dunno how it is in America, but in Norway, yes, there's definitely some stigma in regards to gamers and video games in general.

Of course, some people are more understanding. But then again, there's people who look down on movie buffs, or even people who like to read (I dunno how many times in my life I've been called a film nerd, or a bookwork, just 'cus I love movies and books). But, hey, what're you gonna do?

Most of the people I surround myself with, don't play video games, but they can at least understand part of the appeal. That's really all that matters. I honestly don't care if people look down on "gamers" or not; I'll keep loving what I love regardless ;)

I dunno how it is in America, but in Norway, yes, there's definitely some stigma in regards to gamers and video games in general.

Of course, some people are more understanding. But then again, there's people who look down on movie buffs, or even people who like to read (I dunno how many times in my life I've been called a film nerd, or a bookwork, just 'cus I love movies and books). But, hey, what're you gonna do?

Most of the people I surround myself with, don't play video games, but they can at least understand part of the appeal. That's really all that matters. I honestly don't care if people look down on "gamers" or not; I'll keep loving what I love regardless ;)

I dunno how it is in America, but in Norway, yes, there's definitely some stigma in regards to gamers and video games in general.

Of course, some people are more understanding. But then again, there's people who look down on movie buffs, or even people who like to read (I dunno how many times in my life I've been called a film nerd, or a bookwork, just 'cus I love movies and books). But, hey, what're you gonna do?

Most of the people I surround myself with, don't play video games, but they can at least understand part of the appeal. That's really all that matters. I honestly don't care if people look down on "gamers" or not; I'll keep loving what I love regardless ;)

I dunno how it is in America, but in Norway, yes, there's definitely some stigma in regards to gamers and video games in general.

Of course, some people are more understanding. But then again, there's people who look down on movie buffs, or even people who like to read (I dunno how many times in my life I've been called a film nerd, or a bookwork, just 'cus I love movies and books). But, hey, what're you gonna do?

Most of the people I surround myself with, don't play video games, but they can at least understand part of the appeal. That's really all that matters. I honestly don't care if people look down on "gamers" or not; I'll keep loving what I love regardless ;)

Duck_Zero

There's stereotypes for sure.  But it's up to the person to prove them wrong.

When people in high school years ago saw me play Yu-Gi-Oh on the cafeteria table, they made their assumptions, but once they got to know me, they saw I was the opposite of the neckbeard basement dweller stereotype.

Those stupid people really have to shut up. I mean life is a video game and those fu*king people have no problem playing the shit out of it. Why can't they just give us the genuinely hearted gamers a FU*KING BRAKE ???!! :x!

Those stupid people really have to shut up. I mean life is a video game and those fu*king people have no problem playing the shit out of it. Why can't they just give us the genuinely hearted gamers a FU*KING BRAKE ???!! :x!

Stop Right There !

Before we all start playing the victim, I'd like to remind everyone that this medium is full of childish assholes ! They make up a large portian of the industry ! Honestly, I don't blame the media. I blame you, ALL OF YOU !

Lulu_Lulu

I know you're being your typical satirical self, but you could say the same of sports fans. Anywhere you combine competitiveness and anonymity, expect the worst in humanity. But this is also a case of stupid people being louder and making themselves seem the majority when in fact they aren't.

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"]Stop Right There !

Before we all start playing the victim, I'd like to remind everyone that this medium is full of childish assholes ! They make up a large portian of the industry ! Honestly, I don't blame the media. I blame you, ALL OF YOU !

Ish_basic

I know you're being your typical satirical self, but you could say the same of sports fans. Anywhere you combine competitiveness and anonymity, expect the worst in humanity. But this is also a case of stupid people being louder and making themselves seem the majority when in fact they aren't.

[QUOTE="Ish_basic"]

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"]Stop Right There !

Before we all start playing the victim, I'd like to remind everyone that this medium is full of childish assholes ! They make up a large portian of the industry ! Honestly, I don't blame the media. I blame you, ALL OF YOU !

Lulu_Lulu

I know you're being your typical satirical self, but you could say the same of sports fans. Anywhere you combine competitiveness and anonymity, expect the worst in humanity. But this is also a case of stupid people being louder and making themselves seem the majority when in fact they aren't.

And nobody's got the right to pass judgement on a demographic that is so loosely affiliated over the actions of an obnoxious minority. Especially when these kind of people are found in any population.

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"][QUOTE="Ish_basic"]

I know you're being your typical satirical self, but you could say the same of sports fans. Anywhere you combine competitiveness and anonymity, expect the worst in humanity. But this is also a case of stupid people being louder and making themselves seem the majority when in fact they aren't.

Ish_basic

And nobody's got the right to pass judgement on a demographic that is so loosely affiliated over the actions of an obnoxious minority. Especially when these kind of people are found in any population.

[QUOTE="Ish_basic"]

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"] Gamers are terrible creatures, feel free to stick your fingers in your ears and say otherwise. Yes Ive got the ratio all wrong but nobody's got the right to play the victim, not until this sh!t is dealt with.Lulu_Lulu

And nobody's got the right to pass judgement on a demographic that is so loosely affiliated over the actions of an obnoxious minority. Especially when these kind of people are found in any population.

Nothing. People have the right to be assholes. And I don't want anyone getting the idea they can cure assholism, as I would rather not live in a real life version of San Angeles. I just get on my mic, find like minded gamers and game exclusively with them. It's not that hard.