Stereotypes

What comes to mind when you hear the word stereotype? Racial, gender, or just purely one society has developed? Everyone is guilty of stereotyping people and most people have fallen victim to a stereotype themselves. 

Now, when I say the word gamer what comes to mind? Do you visualize a normal, everyday, fun-loving guy? Or, do you see an anti-social, pale, scrawny kid? More than most likely the latter. Many people see gaming as a waste of time and look at any one who plays games as a waste of time. From the outside looking it, this is what it seems like. But what most "non-gamers" don't see is what people do outside of playing games. Most of us who play together are friends in the real world, and gaming is a way for us to stay connected even when we aren't "together." Personally gaming has actually got me closer to some people. Some people I was friends with before have became my best friends that I am with on almost a daily basis. 

What else people don't see is what we do for the other 90% of our lives. After some hear that they are no longer interested in anything else we have to say. Personally, I am a firefighter and also a volunteer at a rescue squad. My best friend, whom I play with frequently, is in paramedic school and a volunteer at the same rescue squad. Three of the others I play with are all enlisted in the armed forces, one in the army and two in the navy. Gaming is a way that no matter where we go, we will be able to log onto xbox live and connect with each other and enjoy each other's company. 

I understand there are many stereotypes but this is one I've seen happen to many people almost daily and I wanted to give my personal opinion on it. I hope this has given you insight into "our" world.

Thanks! :)

Dylan