Hobby shaming and how to combat it

Hello reader, this is my second column I'm writing for my blog, if you haven't read my first one titled Gate Keeping: the fan base killer then you can read it here as it will be complimentary to what I'm going to discuss today, namely hobby shaming.

Ever had a hobby or interest which you love but are afraid to mention it to anyone due to being met with negativity in the past? i know i have, and it's frustrating and demoralising, hobbies are a fundamental part of our being. We put our hearts and souls into them, we put hard work and time into them, not just because we enjoy them, but because we're passionate about them. They can allow us to escape from a bad day, they can be our muse and allow our imaginations and creativity to grow, and they can also allow us to find potential new friends and kindred spirits who enjoy the same things.But with all these positives there of course must be negatives, as there are those who would use your love against you, either due to ignorance or sheer spite, and will attempt to make you feel ashamed.

i mentioned a few of my interests in my last column, and a lot of those interests i rarely share with others, even those close to me, because i know the reaction i will get, unless your hobby is part of the mainstream norm (sports for example) you essentially have to hide a part of yourself to fit in, like a hobby Horcrux.

                                                     ("no, you've discovered my beanie babies collection!")

One of the strongest examples of this, and it probably always will be, is when you tell somebody you like Pro Wrestling, the first thing they will always say is "you know it's fake, right?" 

what?.....you mean to tell me the show I've been watching featuring an undead casket maker who shoots lightning and can teleport isn't real?! 

the ridiculous thing about this statement isn't that they think it's fake, it's that they've insulted your intelligence enough to believe that you believe it's all real, and that they have come from their tower of wisdom to enlighten you on your embarrassing mistake, like a sanctimonious Saruman.

                                                                       (or ya know, regular Saruman)

When confronted with this type of shamer you can either say the easiest reply which is "it's a predetermined fictional show, i am aware of that" or you can ask them a simple question -

"whats your favourite TV show?" 

Now if they're smart they'll instantly see your point, if they're dumb (which is usually the case) they will tell you, and it'll usually be a fictional show, and then you hit them with it -

"you know that show is fake, right?"

they can try and argue it, and they will, but you've made your point, any argument they had for trying to shame you for enjoying a fictional show has gone out the window, because they're doing the exact same thing, when people use this against wrestling fans, or anyone who likes a niche show or a genre different to theirs for that matter, this is what it essentially looks like -

                                              

Another interest i have is action figure collecting, as a big transformers and star wars fan i like to collect figures representing my favourite characters, but it can be difficult to explain to someone that i collect figures and display them in various poses on shelves, the majority of people believe action figures are children's toys, which is the main demographic, but even toy makers are aware of the collectors demographic, they even build conventions around them, and yet you're still treated as an oddity if you mention this to someone who doesn't understand, the same goes for collecting comics, playing video games and watching cartoons, I've been told to "grow up" by people, despite being in my 30's, married, and with a daughter, because they believe these, and many hobbies like them, are for children and children only, and any adult who indulges in them are either weird or need to change.

i personally collect figures due to childhood nostalgia, i didn't have a great childhood, some negative stuff went on in the background and the only positive memories i really have are of my figures, and that has carried over to my adulthood.

"rosebud"

it's carried over so well, and in such a positive way that the cartoons, comics and action figures of my youth have influenced me and helped develop my creative side, especially with my artwork, which in itself has given me confidence i have yet to find anywhere else, and has also helped build my confidence up to write this Blog, and i'm sure many other people have been influenced by their hobbies also.

So what to do? do as i mentioned at the start and hide your interests lest you be mocked or shamed? 

no.

never.

You should be proud of who you are and what you do, as long as it brings you joy and it doesn't harm anyone then you do you. Collect action figures? display those bad boys! like wrestling? wear your favourite performer's merchandise! like to play dungeons and dragons with your mates? tell the world! hell, invite others round to play, they say no, fine, but they're missing out on potential fun, not you.

And what to do about those who would mock and shame you? fuck'em! who are they to judge you? every single human on this planet has something they enjoy doing that is just for them and gives them enjoyment, so why judge anyone for doing the same? 

so remember, there's nothing to be ashamed about in anything that gives you happiness, now if you'll excuse me, i have to go complain about how my favourite wrestler isn't being utilised properly...