Wednesday 24 July 2013

Satire or just another Stereotype?

Our hobby often gets wrongly maligned and insulted by those on the outside, in the so called 'real world'.  Its a sad fact that articles mocking the hobby or stereotyping its participants appear with tedious regularity. I've been a Wargamer and Roleplayer for over 30 years now and the phenomenon of 'jocks' picking on 'geeks' has never really gone away, even as society has supposedly become more enlightened and tolerant. That's not to say that 'geek culture' hasn't become more mainstream over the years but despite this there are still plenty of journalists out there that feel the need to portray wargamers as weird loners still living at home with their parents. Unfortunately there are also a few writers who have come from within the hobby that have also joined this narrow minded and facile band of hacks.

So what has prompted this little outburst of mine? This article in the Telegraph prompted one blogger (Porky's Expanse!) to rightly refer to it as a "joke piece" (read his full his post here). As this subject often gets me worked up I decided to leave this comment:

"This reads to me as a satirical piece, poking fun at David Cameron's sudden evangelical zeal for the populist anti-internet porn bandwagon. The problem is that some readers, including some wargamers, don't get that this is satire and have read this as a genuine attack on the hobby (just read some of the comments below the article on the Telegraph website). 

I fear that the net effect of articles like this reinforces stereotypes, marginalises players and damages the wider hobby (which, btw, is worth tens of millions to the economy)."

I guess what hacks me off the most is that this journalist probably thinks he's being very clever, juxtaposing geek culture and politics in a mildly humorous fashion, and personalising the article by referencing his own involvement in the hobby. Clearly he's not nearly as clever as he thinks he is because by personalising his article in this way he has managed to turn this into an attack on the hobby and on the person he used to be (before he became an idiot and a journalist). Many people will read his article and see it as a weak attempt at satire, but a lot more will subconsciously (or even overtly) see this as a vindication of the harmful clichés they so desperately cling to. 

Mockery isn't 'harmless' because it reinforces prejudice, marginalises people, suppresses creativity, stifles enterprise and lowers self worth. This is why so many Bloggers go to great lengths to remain anonymous, using nicknames or pseudonyms instead of their real names. I totally understand their decision, and its one that we all have to make based on our personal circumstances, but its still a sad state of affairs when gamers must suppress who they are because the people around them are still influenced by derogatory stereotypes.

I've written about this subject many times before (notably here and here) and sadly will no doubt do so again in the future, but as you have probably guessed by now I feel pretty strongly about this. I'm fed up of our hobby being the butt of shallow and pointless jibes and anyone that enjoys that hobby being labelled as socially retarded losers. The real losers are those people that live ordinary dull boring lives with 'regular' hobbies, shackled by conformity, devoid of curiosity, stifling any hint of creativity.  I have met thousands of gamers over the last three decades and every one has been passionate, talented, inquisitive, creative and generous. These are the stereotypes we should be reading about, not that other puerile rubbish.

Come over to the Dark Side losers, we have cookies.

41 comments:

  1. I agree with you on this one, Lee. While I don't consider myself a geek at all (don't like LOTR, don't care much about SW, seen 1 episode of the doctor and so on), I felt bad about this article. The first thing I've noticed was he is supposed to be a historican and if I hate anything is people that talk about things they don't know about. Not to mention GW products aren't all there is to wargaming. If he wanted to be funny on Cameron's expense, he could make a joke about "porn for reproduction", if we call it that way. His article is like talking about lemons to point out disagreement with chinese motor industry. On one hand, I'd expect more from so-called historian, but on the other, everyone is a journalist nowadays. I never liked those articles where people state their personal opinion, even less so if they do it based on thin air. Even if it was meant as a joke, it came out insulting and degrading.

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    1. It's rightly no longer acceptable to pick on minorities, but apparently gamers are still fair game. Lucky us.

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  2. Wow! Way for people to over-react to something... If people can't spot satire, however poorly written, they should stick to the Sun or the Mirror.

    I think a lot of what has got people's backs up, is that the truth hurts, or if you prefer, nobody likes the guy who shouts "The Emperor's not wearing any clothes".

    When I go to a show, do I remember the hundreds of folk that walk around in everyday clothing, looking perfectly normal? No, I remember the guy with the immense back pack, or the one wearing the 'Matrix' coat, or the guy with the grey ponytail who thinks he's Jim Morrison (more like two Jim Morrisons actually)... and so a set of stereotypes begins.

    I sincerely doubt this will hurt the hobby in anyway, although it might give one or two people a wake up call. I don't see him using the word 'wargame' in the article and everything is directed at 'Warhammer' and Games Workshop... do I care? No. ☺

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    1. I'm afraid I don't see it as an over reaction, its more like self defence.

      I love going to shows and seeing an eclectic mix of people with different passions, different styles etc. Yes these people stick out in a crowd but not because I think they are weird social rejects but because they have individuality and aren't afraid to show it. I would consider it a tragedy if these people had "a wake up call" as you put it, and conformed just to make society more comfortable.

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    2. It depends. It might in fact 'hurt the hobby' if it perpetuates the attitude that it is socially acceptable and the norm to mock a social group for their hobby.

      Considering the effect articles like this can have doesn't strike me as over-reaction. Over-reaction might be calling for the man to be fired, or suing him for defamation. Questioning the effects of a mocking stereotype is just investigating the environment of our culture.

      A little introspection is never a bad thing.

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    3. 'Defensive' implies that there is a threat. When no threat is there, it's over-reaction, or more properly insecurity.

      As for 'individuality' as you put it... that's a sign of an immature personality. Most people get out of that in their early twenties. I'm sure they 'conform' to every other aspect of life, i.e. work, partner, children, taxes, but for some reason still feel the need to make a teenager's 'look at me' statement.

      They aren't even individuals... they are also conforming to a style. Billy Connolly's dyed beard is 'individual' and 'non-conformist'. Dressing like Neo from the Matrix, with accessories from 'Goths R Us' is conforming to a 'fashion' and marketing. I don't look twice when I see a teen or twenty-something wearing whatever passes as 'alternative' these days... but I do notice a bloke pushing 40 doing it.

      I'm going to start wearing a 1980's Shell Suit and a massive gold chain... I wonder how many people will applaud my individuality and how many will shake their heads.

      ;-)

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  3. As I have said else where satire requires a wink at the audience so they know you are just kidding I don't find this in my reading of this article. I live in the US I don't know much about the policy he's protesting... he could have said ban soccer, sorry Football, to make his point but no he picks on war-gamers (yeah he says warhammer but I think we all know he means all of us)

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    1. "I don't know much about the policy he's protesting" The problem is his satirical piece is so badly written I'm not sure anyone else even knows its meant to be a comment on government policy, let alone a dig at censorship. All that's left is yet another tired and childish swipe at wargamers.

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    3. the first line sets that agenda but he never follows through on it.

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  4. Its a terrible article, badly written and badly thought out. He's a history professor in America - hardly a ringing endorsement for US educational standards! But what authority does he actually have on the subject. GW games are by definition in the 'fantasy' genre - they are not historical battles in any context. It's like me writing about fly-fishing having tried to catch crabs using bacon and a piece of string. He has no credibility in the genre so what gives him the right to have a pop (and lump everyone in the hobby into a convenient box without consideration that there may be variations within it).

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    1. I've got no problem with the object of the authors protest (I don't necessarily agree with him, but he's free to make his point), I just have an issue with the lack of Satire in this Satire. Like you say, badly written, clichéd waffle... everything I've come to expect from the British Press in fact.

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  5. Possibly the only valid point he makes is that the 'Warhammer hobby' is expensive and the companies making these games are always brining out new stuff to sell us. Both of these point are true but a)I don't know any hobby that isn't expensive to the enthusiast, and b)This business model isn't exactly unique to the hobby Industry!

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  6. I think the best way to get a positive attitude out there to wargamers is to find ways of interacting with the public more. At the Falkirk club we have done a couple of events with Scottish museums, which prompted the local paper to come along and do a very positive piece on the club.

    Sometimes as wargamers we feel misunderstood, but that won't change unless we find ways of informing the rest of society about what we do - they won't just 'get it' unaided

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  7. I think you make some very good points, on the effects of mockery and on the level of conformity in the mainstream. If we're looking for harm, or even danger, there might be some right there in that regularity. Having these discussions in a forum like a national newspaper, and on popular blogs like this, has to be good, however unintentional it might have been initially.

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  8. I started gaming when I was 11 and have enjoyed the hobby ever since (43 years later).

    I have never considered myself a geek, a rules lawyer or an anorak. I do consider myself a model maker.

    There have over the years been many attempts to both demonize and/or but down gamers/wargamers.

    I think it is a thing that happens to any non-football/Rugby sport or pastime in the UK.

    The increase in skill and artistry now being shown by some figure painters has moved the figure painting skill to a new level and I believe that many are now looking at these miniature artists as truly skilled.

    I am sure that there will continue to be people who for what ever reason (I believe ignorance) will continue to poke fun at us gamers, but the alternative - being stuck on a computer playing games is far more geeky!

    There I go comparing one geek to another - Stop it!

    Hope my 2p worth is of interest.

    Tony

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  9. I can understand your annoyance & criticism of the social implications, and agree with you. I think this is an example of the weakest form of conformity: the author is appealing to a wider group for approval and acceptance by denigrating a smaller group perceived to have less social standing. It's the equivalent of a jerk at a party chiming into a serious conversation with "it's like women drivers, am I right?" .. well, no..you're just a jerk.

    ... you know, I find I have way too much to say about this. One thing leads to another. So rather than flood your comment area with a full-blown essay, I'll leave it at that and maybe post on the subject on my blog as well.I think the idea is worth more exploring.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. too much of a luddite to figure out how to make a clickable link in a comment section,. but the reply continues here:

      http://laughingferret.blogspot.com/2013/07/evolve-past-playground-please-on-that.html

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    3. I think the most important thing to note is that the article is a bit rubbish. Neither funny, nor insightful, a dreadful crime if it is a (ham-fisted) attempt at satire.

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    4. I'd agree with Phyllion. It could have been quite a funny piece, but is just badly written.

      And my experience is that, whilst we gamers get uptight when people stereotype or mock our hobby, we are happy to do the same to other hobbies and interests that we regard as being a bit 'odd'. It's human nature.

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  10. I agree with your point about anonymity Lee, but it is a necessary feature for some people. I adopted a pseudonym because that was the done thing at the time (or I thought it was). Ironically, I use my real name on Frothers of all sites!!!!

    I'll think on this and very likely rise to the challenge when I get time, although unfortunately it dismays me how closely I actually do resemble The Baldy Man :O(

    As regards the article, I saw this and simply skimmed it. Examples of intentional and unintentional bad press pop up now and again, either own goals (remember the SS/NAZI idiots at Salute a few years ago?), misguided enthusiasm (that chap who really wants to promote the hobby, but just can't cut the mustard) or plain hackery (the smartarse journalist who just wants to have a laugh or the one with an IQ score of about thee below a poodle's). I think we really only have two optins: ignore it and move on or turn journalism to your advantaqe and develop a positive campaign. However, beware, because the hobby is a very broad church and does include characters who range from the mildly eccentric to the absolute nutter.

    Cheers,

    Gary Alfred Amos

    (Yes, I know, but they were the only names left in the hat . . . .)


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  11. I used to get wound up by this kind of crap, but I no longer let it bother me... I am comfortable in my own space because I know 'I am right' in my thinking and opinions about it... and I am pretty much as 'out of closet' as I can be...

    There are dozens of other hobbies and interests out there that are a vast waste of money (to my mind) ... but I don't need to criticize them, because, as any hobby should, it gives that person an interest to focus on, that may remove them from the stress of modern living, if only fleetingly, preserving their sanity, and giving ongoing enjoyment.

    This week I have just spent $100s of dollars fixing up, and re-registering, certifying for road use etc etc, my Harley ... and yet I'll probably only get to ride it a handful of times though the year... complete waste of money - yep probably - BUT does it do me any good? You betcha, you just have to see the grin on my face inside the helmet as I drive off down the road on an odd sunny day, stress instantly gone, pleasure on full throttle... is it geeky? Who knows, it might be to somebody??? Do I care of others opinions , no!

    People should be free to enjoy themselves however they wish, without attracting negative comments from others, so long as it causes no harm to anyone else, I fail to see any problem... get on with your own lives, and stay the f*** out of mine... open you gob again, Tim (nice but dim?), and I'll chain you to the back of my bike and drag you down the road ...

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  12. I agree with you about the image of our hobby bu maybe because I have got old or maybe cus I march to the beat of my own drum I do not care what anyone thinks about me and my hobby I happily tell people waht i do and if they show interst I will tell them more if they do not I just carry on with my life. I guess its is easy when you have very few friends (I can count on noe hand my friends that are not family)
    Peace James John Brewerton Crewe Cheshire (or am I :) )

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    1. My in-laws are from Crewe. Can you play the banjo?

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  13. You were overly kind in your reference to this putz as a "Journalist". They simply don't exist anymore. I don't think the little shite was quite prepared for sheer number of gamers that showed up to club him. We are a very large group of consumers and we are united across the globe via the internet now. I doubt that he cares one whit though as getting his name out there is what counts. He's got books to sell on Amazon and they are about history. Albeit American history, so no one really cares, but notoriety sells these days.

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    1. Well, many gamers DO care about American history, Lady Anne. There are plenty of well stocked, metal alloyed or plastic miniatures that are used for American conflicts.

      Would be almost as bad as me saying that Ollie was not such a bad fellow during his travels. :)

      I think a part of his angst is that porn has become all too prevalent over here. A very different state of affairs from even 20 years ago. So, in trying to mainstream that particular erm...passion...he swung wildly at one he mistakenly thought he could safely mock. But the dirty little secret is, we Americans don't really care what he says.

      Cheers!

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  14. It's a piece of piss, who cares what other people enjoy as long as it doesn't harm anyone. He must have been struggling for something to write for his weekly space and went to what he knows? He tried hard at the end painting the odd goblin (methidone green I would guess)to kick the habit.

    Our hobby has so many interesting folk as does the rest of life, some you like, some not so much. Having a dig at people because they look or dress different. Hmmm pointless.

    I could have undercoated a few figures in the time it took to read his fecking article there. Another reason I don't bother with papers.

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  15. I think that the stuff you and the rejects do to promote the hobby go a long way to breaking the stereotype.

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  16. Don't those same two points also apply to the auto industry? Does that mean people who frequently purchase vehicles have some element of abnormality to them? While the bloke who wrote the article does not have the power to insult me, mocking people for a harmless (and in many ways positive) hobby is inherently wrong. Has anyone told him that Robin Williams, Billy Crytal, the members of GWAR (well, THAT may be bad example), and many other performers who are well known and well paid, also participate in wargaming?

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  17. Picking on minorities seems the done Thing in the UK lately, anything to Keep the masses from actually realising it´s not the nextdoor neighbour causing the grief and looking towards the real Problems.
    The guys Report is anally retentive trying to both have a sideways swipe at the big brother attempts at Controlling the web by PLC cameron and co and have a Pop at a minority for his own Kudos..
    Strangely the guy has 8000 plus followers on twitter..but as they say "sh*t attracts flys"

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  18. Pure satire and very funny; I read the original article myself and loved it. Besides, 'geek' is chic anyway - who cares what the so-called mainstream refers to wargamers as - the important thing is that companies continue to produce quality products and are well supported by gamers IMHO ;)

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  19. Portraying any community as "not male" is never innocent. My reasoning is that this kind of ostracism is operating around the very definition of being a "man". It's evident from the article, and some of the comments here, that some think "hobby"="toys"="boys". Ergo, it's unnatural for men to play, thus they can't have sex, they are not virile enough to be men. It's insulting and no matter how you put it, it's dehumanizing.

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  20. I am very new to the hobby been to some shows etc never thought anyone was odd or anything just human gamers are very friendly and very helpful pity the rest of the human
    isnt

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  21. Satire or not, it always seems to me that if I spent my weekends drunk out my skull and shouting at 22 overpaid high school dropouts kicking a football around people would look at me less strangely. And that's a sad state that society is in, not my hobby.

    As it happens my colleagues and my friends (and my lovely girlfriend) are all very supportive of my toy soldier addiction. But it's still strange that something creative, social and harmless is seen as less socially acceptable than being drunk and disorderly.

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  22. Funny thing is the part were he said girls is what drew him away from the hobby and I get that as I went through a similar thing for a time, however mine wasn't a conscious effort to stop wargaming, but rather I was just too busy chasing skirts to play any games. However, I bet you 10 to 1 after he gets married he will painting figures and wargaming again sooner or later.;-)


    Christopher

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    1. ...and so it has been, and so it always will, and so the hobby will goon, and so it always will... well said Chris.... and as for the article? The guy will have had a pay rise(as they only ever judge themselves on the amount of reaction they get, and don't forget there's no such thing as negative feedback)...

      Relax, Lee, I drink real ale (therefore, I am fat bearded and cable knit jumpered), I sail (therefore I am a moneyed, snobbish, Cowes sailing club member) and I play with toy soldiers (therefore I am a weird, gun obsessed, geek, with nazi tendencies) - I'm none of these... well maybe I'm fat... but I've been tarred with those perceptions for 40 odd years now.... i've learnt to ignore them - it's bullying, and the more you react the more they pick...

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  23. Are you not guilty of the same generalisation and stereotyping with football fans there MTH?

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  24. I was being Satirical. Apparently ;)

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  25. Warhammer is neither a simulation nor a war game,
    it is a special rules game;
    these special rules are the foundation of a nefarious marketing strategy
    designed to make you pay $80 for
    $5 worth of plastic and cardboard.

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