What do others think?

[JetsAndHeels]

I just wanted to see how others view you and your hobby. This has been on my mind recently with the release of the new AOTC toys and I wanted to see if anyone else had any insights. For me,
most of my close friends and acquaintances know I love SW and collect the stuff, but others arent so accepting. For instance, the other day I was in Wal Mart looking through all the figures on the pegs and a couple employees walking by were looking at me and snickering. When they turned the corner, I heard one of them say "I have no comment on that guy." What the heck?
So my question to all of you is do others look at you as a geek or are they accepting of the hobby?

[JEDIpartner]

Well... I think my co-workers may have had that impression at first, but since I'm not taking the day off of work for a film, or taking the day off to buy toys... I think that they quickly changed their minds. I'm not saying that someone else can't do that, but it certainly did alter the perception for other people I work with. They thought that I lived for STAR WARS. I don't and that is a fact. I probably spend about 5% of my day with that hobby... unless it's a film year. Most of my time is spent working on music.

I suppose that people who have gotten to know me and realise that it is just a little hobby and not a life-long mania have changed their opinions. I couldn't care less what total strangers, like those Wal*Mart employees have to say about me. If it wasn't STAR WARS, they'd probably comment on the way I dress or my hair or my build or whatever. People are always being judged because others are so self proud when they probably shouldn't be.

[2-1B]

At work I get this a lot: :rolleyes:
But a friend at work now takes the heat because he spent like a freak at midnight madness, while I kept it low key. :D
Besides, I'd rather "waste" my money on a fun and harmless hobby like SW instead of other options like heavy drinking and irresponsible partying which leads to drunk driving arrests and fines (people like to ignore their own vices whilst critiquing SW ;) )

Jangy96, I've never been harassed like that but I recommend that next time a Wal-Mart worker insults you . . . well you make sure he doesn't insult you again. :evil:

[JetsAndHeels]

Well they never directly insulted me, but were kind of laughing at me. I dont really care though, because I love my hobby and if they cant deal with it then thats tough. I just wondered if anyone else took any heat for the hobby.

[JEDIpartner]

You could always remind them that no matter what you buy there and what your reasons are... you are helping pay their stupid way through their miserable little lives.

[Dryanta]

hey jango,
This will sound really egotistical but it is true.I don't care!
of all the things I've been involved with, my family,freinds and society should be thankful Star Wars keeps me semi occupied.I have never been laughed at or ridiculed any where near ear or eye shot.Does that mean it doesn't happen?NO! I'm just not privey to it.
Like my old man used to say."Something to say?Don't let anything but fear and common sense stop you"
Enough of my ego trip,ignor them, they'll go away.
Some day my friend you and I will go shopping.;)

[2-1B]

Yes, yes, to the Obi-Wan avatar you listen!

And if that doesn't work, you could always pick up your cart and throw it at them.
There's something you don't see often enough. :D

[Dryanta]

lol caesar,can't say as I've ever seen THAT! Mabybe Jango should go shopping with both of us and jedipatrnr can come just to add a little insult to injury.lol

[bigbarada]

I was ridiculed for plenty of stuff while in the Army; but strangely enough never for Star Wars. Most Army Commanders and First Sergeants like the idea of their troops having a hobby other than drinking and partying and tearing up the barracks.

Now that I have been promoted to civilian, I still don't see too many side glances or hear too many snide comments. Although, right now I see more kids in the Star Wars aisle than ever before. Anytime they talk to me is usually to ask if I can grab a hard to reach figures for them.

[2-1B]

I like that idea Dryanta, you and I are the muscle while J-partnr works the psych factor. Kinda like the guy that is prying William Wallace to beg for mercy in "Braveheart." In the meantime, Jangy96 is free to browse the pegs. Problem solved! :D

B, that's cool that you're seeing more kids in the aisle. I have yet to see them myself, but I keep hope!
:)

[Jargo]

If it makes you happy and doesn't hurt anyone, then that's all that really matters. What others say or think is irrelevent because the hobby is yours not theirs. I get strange looks from the neighbours when I carry so many TRU bags into the house, but do I care what the neighbours think? Do I hell. Don't even give those WalMart guys the satisfaction of even thinking about them. Show them how insignificant they are in the scheme of life. Pondweed, detritus, plancton. That's all that kind of idiot is. Just keep an image in your head of that guy from that TV show 'The kids in the hall' who squashes people's heads between his finger and thumb

"I'm crushing your head Mr. smarty pants Wal*mart monkey, I'm crushing your head, I'm crushing your head...!"

Next time the walmart monkies start on at you, just squash their heads between your finger and thumb. Ultimate revenge I think. :)

[Dryanta]

here's the plan,Jango you get all of the stuff while BigB helps the kids and get stuff for me too.Caesar you and I will play skeet shoot,I'll throw people in the air and you hit them with a flying shopping cart,Jargo before they land you squeeze their heads for that added humiliation,and Jedipartner,you give them the "insignificant" and "stupid" pep talk once they come to.
Oh and jason B will have to come.He holds my car keys,money and cart incase I get arrested.(private story) sound good? MM here we come!! lol

[DeadEye]

BigB, how do you get "promoted" to civilian? :confused:

[QLD]

Well, my girlfriend jokes with me about it, but she doesn't really care. My best friend also collects so that is very cool. Most of my friends think it's cool, and my supervisor at work also collects. Though honestly, I don't advertise the fact that I do. I don't wear costumes, or hats, or t-shirts. Not that it's bad, it's just not my style.

[JEDIpartner]

I'm all for storming the W*Ms of North America with our own little mix of "Force". That would be funnnnnnnnny! :D

I have seen a lot of kids as well. Lots of kids leaving the stores with lightsabres and battle droid rifles. Fun stuff! I love it.

[InsaneJediGirl]

I've seen a bunch of little kids too..taking away all those bad figures away for me..what nice kids:D

As for JF96s question.I really dont have a problem with what other people think...and I really dont care.I've never had a problem(with WM),and today they even gave me a Starwars Pin and
are letting me have the displays in a few months:D

Oh,and you know JF96,you could report your experience to 1-800-WAL-MART.Someone from the "chain of command" might get back to you...;) ;) :rolleyes:

[JetsAndHeels]

I dont care what those people think. I love my hobby because it means alot to me. Its what keeps me sane alot of the time.
Thanks everyone for your input. Sounds like you all feel the same as I do.
Hey Dryanta, we ARE going to go toy hunting together one day, and perhaps Caesar and JEDIpartnr could go too. We are all on the same side of the map, so it could happen. That would be alot of fun.

[Dryanta]

can jason B come?I really do need him to hold my stuff;)
All kidding aside I too have seen alot of kids lately in the Star Wars section.Does my heart good

[JetsAndHeels]

The more fans the better, Dryanta.
I havent seen any kids in the aisles here, just people my age.
In fact I have run into the same guy here in Raleigh about 5 times in the past 3 days. Whatever hes looking for he hasnt found it.

[Jason B]

this will be added to my fav threads list. :D
yeah, on the twenty-third, we were hanging out watching the guy put out the figes, and my uncle asked how many calls they got. the answer? "Like 300". :eek: we walked outside for a minute and he gave me his money, and his keys, in case someone reached their measly hands into the cart, and he had to "deal" with them, and security got involved. we had his "escape route" all planned out. that was a fun night.
the funny thing is, ony two other people showed. :eek: :D :D

[Dryanta]

It was fun.that's for sure.I think I'd like to go shopping right now!!!;)

[JetsAndHeels]

What a great family you have!! SW must be hereditary!!

[Dryanta]

There are a couple good one's in the bunch.;)
His mother would have a calf if she knew that happened.lol
Went out for smoke break(me not him).Gave him my cash and car keys.Told him to hold my cart.If it got rowdy go up front pay for my stuff,and go get in the car.In about an hour go to the back of the store I'd get in the van and we'd leave.He doesn't have his license so i said if I got arrested he was not to drive.I told him to call his aunt to come get him and bail me out.lol
Old habits die really hard guys.Real hard.Nothing happened and for that I'm thankfull.

Hey wait a minute!Was that sarcastic?:)

[JetsAndHeels]

Sounds like you two were prepared for something. Good thing nothing happened. Id hate for you to get arrested or in trouble.

[Jason B]

yeah, watch him get banned from walmart. LMAO

[JetsAndHeels]

No big loss. I am sure there are others close by.

[2-1B]

Originally posted by JangoFett96
perhaps Caesar and JEDIpartnr could go too. We are all on the same side of the map

East-West, yes.

Mason-Dixon, no. :D

[JetsAndHeels]

You know you wanna go on a SSG shopping spree.
Just think, with 2 or 3 of us, we could save a ton of "register time."
I had to throw that one in, for old times sake.

[bigbarada]

Originally posted by DeadEye
BigB, how do you get "promoted" to civilian? :confused:

Because no matter how much rank you have in the military you can still be told to "$%#@ off!" by any civilian. So the joke in the army is that when you are discharged from the military you are "promoted" to civilian.

Dryanta, we will definitely have to get together for MM2005, sounds like the makings of a very interesting night.:D

[TeeEye7]

JF96:

Instead of dissing you, I think the WM knuckleheads should take a moment to realize where their salary is coming from! If not for you (and others like us here on the boards), they might be collecting cans on the roadside and collecting unemployment!

(Everyone take a moment to place their right hand on their foreheads, extend their index finger vertically while extending their thumb horizontally and salute the WM "LOSERS!":p

Sorry, hearing JF96 being dissed just didn't set well with me.....*tantrum over*

[mabudonicus]

In real life I guess I'm kinda crazy looking, so really nobody ever says anything. If they do, I'll say something witty like "what's yer $%&* problem, %^&*^$#", with this nutty , "I'm gonna do something" gleam in my eyes. I doubt it would work in big US cities, but the people around here are pretty naieve, so a 6 foot tall, wild looking guy with crazy long hair swearing at them with a classic "wicked grin" PROBABLY makes em feel about as uncomfortable as twisted sister videos did back in the day.
My friends either are SW fans to some extent themselves, or are into something else in the same fashion (music, films, politics) and really don't see the problem with liking things that you like.
I never talk to my family- after I broke up with my last girlfriend (of 5 years or so), my family decided that they liked her better, and I didn't break it off so she could become my sister for crying out loud.
Clones is almost upon us, the Leafs are Hot, Manowar's coming....
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

[2-1B]

It's true, mabudon's gloves of metal will rule tonight! :p

[bigbarada]

Mabudon, is that a plate of cheese for your avatar? lol:D

[Dryanta]

Here's one for ya Jango.Happened this morning.I went to the local theater to get tickets this morning.I come tearing in at 10:45 for 11:30 tickets.Got my 10 year old with me.There about 6 other guys and a small young woman with a 6 month old with her.
There is also a theater employee that he said was asked to be there for possible problems.They were expecting a lot more people.Any way this guy is a large individual.My guess would be 6'5" 6" 6" around 300lbs.
I stand there for a few minutes and talk to the girl about the baby,and such.Then comes the "cool" vs. "dork" comments.
I have nothing to say so I listen to these zippernecks go on about it.
One fan in line says "I don't care if people call me a dork.I'm no more dorky than some of these guys at football game all painted,screaming with no shirt on in 2 degree weather."Well you might have guessed the big guy was a football fan and his interest was peaked.He say's "I've done!!that Get drunk and go to a game" in his best "blustery" voice. I'm still contnet with ignoring the whole thing.Then MY interest gets peaked!He starts to say"I can make fun of anybody I want Because" Now at this point I reached up and tilted my sunglasses down just enough to look him right in the eye over them.The rest of his comment came out something like this "HMMMPHnnhmff"Talking into his collar.
Well everyone looks at me and it stays quiet for while.The girl that had been standoffish is standing decidely closer to me now.
and no one will even look in my direction anymore.LOL.My daughter is just kinda there you know.She's used to it.LOL

[2-1B]

Dryanta, you should impose a pair of shades over your Chewy avatar. :D

[Mandalorian Candidat]

It really bugs me when others look down on me for my SW collection or just the fact that I'm such an avid fan. I have to admit that at times I'm hesitant to mention the whole SW thing when people ask me about my hobbies. I guess it's the whole societal acceptance thing.

I'm a huge hockey fan and have no problem talking about that just because it's a sport and guys are expected to be into some kind of sport. When it comes to SW or ST for Trekkies, I think people actually look down on it because we're supposed to be older and mature and that kind of thing is for kids or something.

I like talking about SW, I enjoy collecting the stuff, watching the movies, listening to the soundtrack, but personally I can't do that 24/7 like some fanatics can. At times I've gotten into conversations with strangers or even people I know and get bugged by them when all they do is talk about SW nonstop. Like everything it's just a slice of life, not the whole thing. I think that is what makes me a little self-conscious about being into SW, I enjoy it but I don't want others to think that that's all I'm about.

When I do come across someone, like Dryanta's chubby theater usher, I usually just say "That's what I enjoy but not who I am. What's wrong with having a fun diversion like that?" Kind of like Qui-Gon after Anakin vs. Greedo. Fighting won't change their opinion.

[bigbarada]

Dryanta's story is a good one and brings up a pet peeve of mine. Mainly people who think their hobby is somehow more justified than any others, and the people who follow those other hobbies are somehow geekier than themselves. This applies to SW fans too. Namely all the Star Trek, NASCAR and WWF bashing that goes on in these forums. In addition to being a Star Wars fan, I also love Star Trek and am developing a serious interest in NASCAR. WWF has never been my thing, but I don't fault anyone for liking it.

Basically the only point I am trying to make is "humility." Star Wars is a great hobby, but it is no better or worse than all the other hobbies out there. We shouldn't be put down for collecting Star Wars stuff; but we also have no right to put others down, behind their backs, for what they do with their spare time and spare cash.

I am not trying to implicate anyone here, I'm just venting a little frustration that has been building up since I started reading these forums.

Okay, who has next dibs on the soap box?

[JetsAndHeels]

Its WWE now....
LoL

[stormie]

Originally posted by bigbarada
...people who think their hobby is somehow more justified than any others, and the people who follow those other hobbies are somehow geekier than themselves. This applies to SW fans too.

Actually, I think it applies even more directly to some Star Wars fans. Over the last 6 months or so of reading and particpating in various SW collecting forums, I've seen a small trend by the vintage-only collectors to actually put down those collectors that collect the new stuff. Kinda funny really. "So, you think my new Star Wars toys are hokey?" "Have you taken a look at an Uncle Gundy or a Lady Urgah Gorneesh? That's hokey!" :D Of course, I'm not saying that all or even most of the vintage-only crowd do this; just that it does happen. Too bad really.

[QLD]

bigbarada, I couldn't have said it myself. I am a big wrestling fan, and I get tired of Star Wars fanatics telling me how stupid wrestling is and how dumb their fans are. If it ain't your cup o' tea, then don't drink it. Same thing with Star Trek bashing. By preferring SW to ST, that somehow makes you cooler? Does that make you less likely to get your butt kicked after school? To complain about not being accepted, and then to turn around and practice the same thing towards other collectors or fans, is utterly stupid.

[mabudonicus]

You know what's just as bad , guys? Trek fans trying to tell you that you're dumb or something if you only like "classic" trek.
Honestly, though, it's true. Someone else in this thread used the expression "whatever floats your boat", and I generally subscribe to that. I mean, if you like stamps or money or whatever, you like it. It's funny how you're not "cool" if you get really excited about anything these days.
I'm a bit more concerned by people who have no hobbies. That's kinda what my signature is about- somehow it's cool to not even care what you like, and if you say it with the right western NY accent it's totally ironic (the accent is just embellishment, not meant to offend, it's the only distinct accent in these here parts)
I'm pretty sure it has to do with people judging things on their own estimate of monetary value, so things that either hold no value (to them) or don't seem to be in the category of "assets" are beyond their ken. Misunderstanding leads to mistrust, which leads to judgement calls, and you know the rest.
You think if the media were run by and for geniuses we'd hear so many "huh huh- star wars sucks dude" comments?? Maybe it's just easier to say something's "dumb" or "silly" than it is to say "I don't understand that", which is IMO a sign of TRUE genius.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
PS BB- nope, plate of exotic fruit, had to save it low quality :(

[bigbarada]

Thanks, glad you cleared that up. I can kind of see it now. So..... umm...... what's the significance? :confused:

What used to really bother me a few years back was all the talk of "true fans." Like, "true fans know that Boba Fett is the coolest character ever," or "only true fans understand what I am talking about." The exclusivity and general snobbish attitude of Star Wars fans was a big turn-off for me when Star Wars began creeping into the public eye in the mid-90s. It wasn't until TPM came out and recruited a whole new set of fans that I actually felt comfortable calling myself a SW fan.

[Bosskman]

My best friend from High School collects too so that's no problem with him. Most of my army buddies and other freinds think my collection is cool or are, at best, indifferent to it. MOST of my family think I'm retarded for getting so much toys, but they generally have a pretty low opinion of me anyways so it doesn't relly matter what I do, they still conider me to be some kind of freak.

[mabudonicus]

BB- the significance?? I'm a vegetarian, and just wanted something "healthy" for an avatar. I'll change it soon, it's getting kinda old. ANYTHINGS better than Caesars "grand series" or whatever that was. Thank goodness the file size restrictions kept Ricky down to about one square inch :P WOOOOOOO!!!!!

[187-Maul]

my brother collects starwars figs too so that's no problem
my parents don't really care about it and know I only display (they would maybe think I'm...whatever since I'm 15 and I would still play with my toys(no offense to everybody who plays with them)) and I collect mcfarlane too so...
my sister collects some collectors barbies like egyptian or something like that (she's 19) so that means collecting toys at "teen age" is pretty common in my family:D
since I'm pretty new in school (moved here last summer) not that many of my class even know that I'm a BIG SW fan but the ones that know find it cool and like the figs (and a good pal even started collecting some spawn after seeing my collection)
and this one time my dad had a party and invited a french astronaut (my dad works at ESA, european "version" of NASA) and he saw my collection and was really impressed:D

[dingodad]

Originally posted by JangoFett96
I just wanted to see how others view you and your hobby. This has been on my mind recently with the release of the new AOTC toys and I wanted to see if anyone else had any insights. For me,
most of my close friends and acquaintances know I love SW and collect the stuff, but others arent so accepting. [For instance, the other day I was in Wal Mart looking through all the figures on the pegs and a couple employees walking by were looking at me and snickering. When they turned the corner, I heard one of them say "I have no comment on that guy." What the heck?
So my question to all of you is do others look at you as a geek or are they accepting of the hobby?}
The same thing happened to me. I almost got mad at them until I realised that they were laughing because my fly was down.

[DarthBrandon]

Never happen to me JangoFett96, and if it did, it wouldn't bother me one bit. I collect for myself and the little fella and that's it. I could care less whether or not someone is snickering at me. Boo Hoo to them.