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My girlfriend recently found out her school has a K-Pop club. Being a bit of an enthusiast myself, I got a bit excited at the idea. Unfortunately, she isn't very open-minded about the subject (read: she fucking hates it lol). But to the main point: A friend of hers was astonished at the unveiling. Despite being a k-pop fan him/herself (I didn't inquire as to the gender of said friend), he/she thought it atrocious. "Oh God... It's supposed to be a basement hobby". This kind of set of me off.
What exactly is a "basement hobby"? Something that you are so ashamed of doing that you cannot reveal that you like doing it in public? That's stupid. This being TeamLiquid, I'll use an example that is probably quite common around these parts of the internet. In high school, everybody knew I was the Starcraft kid (this is a couple years back so I'm talking Brood War). I was very open about it. I raised awareness about the amazing industry they have in Korea, started an E-sports club at school, challenged rival schools/students to show matches... I was proud of my hobby.
I don't consider myself an open person, quite honestly I'm quite the introvert around most people. But as most people are, I'm very open around people who share similar interests as me. An interesting thing I've noticed about myself is that even what I'm doing with the same person can dictate how open I am with them. A couple examples:
If I'm playing badminton at school, I don't socialize a lot with my friend Jackson. Yet when I get home, online, on Starcraft, we're very open with each other and can talk at great lengths about strategies and what not.
I used to have a room mate by the name of Kirk. He's a great friend and an amazing mentor. He's like an older brother figure to me so I'm very comfortable around him. Yet when we go to say, a party together, I kind of feel like I can't approach him. It's all very interesting to me.
Anyways. I've distracted myself a bit, though I think the above is worth mentioning. The point is, I can't understand why someone could be ashamed of their hobbies. Sometimes, you need to be with someone with similar interests to truly be yourself. That's why a school club could be a great idea. It shouldn't be something to avoid, I mean. If you're interested, then why not go for it? Nobody in the club is going to laugh at you for joining. And if your friends laugh, then tell them to shove off. They shouldn't be dictating what you do, nor what is "socially acceptable". Perhaps you need a change of friends in that case. Maybe to a circle of people with similar interests hm...
Blah. I've rambled enough. It was a spur of the moment thing so my writing isn't very organized. QQ. Thanks for reading.
 
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Like 99% of people in high school (and somewhat in college) just do what they do to be "cool" and fit in. I know guys who hate sports but play basketball to have a "popular image." They all go to sporting events they are ignorant of and don't care about just to fit in. It's pretty stupid if you ask me, but it's kind of how the system works. Also, I'm extremely jealous that you have badminton at your school. :D
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I think a lot of people have, what they consider to be, basement hobbies- things that they're embarrassed to talk about that they enjoy doing (that might not even be detrimental or dumb). StarCraft and Diablo were ones for me before I found TL, watched Day[9] Daily #100, and realized that everyone else can go fuck themselves if they don't appreciate a little variety in their friends. It obviously helps that my girlfriend is supportive and that I'm not actually 100% obsessed (I do a million other things with my life), but having people around you that respect your hobbies (as opposed to, say, parents that *just don't get it*) make the evolution from "It's a basement hobby" to "It's something I do for fun and I'm proud of it" sooo much easier.
Haters gonna hate. We're here for you 
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Kentor
United States5784 Posts
Ask her if jacking off is a basement hobby.
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On May 10 2012 14:00 Luepert wrote:
Like 99% of people in high school (and somewhat in college) just do what they do to be "cool" and fit in. I know guys who hate sports but play basketball to have a "popular image." They all go to sporting events they are ignorant of and don't care about just to fit in. It's pretty stupid if you ask me, but it's kind of how the system works. Also, I'm extremely jealous that you have badminton at your school. :D
I know. It's so stupid. I hate how everyone tries to be "mainstream" and stuff but I guess there's no helping it. :/
Also. Yeah, badminton is awesome (:
On May 10 2012 14:01 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:I think a lot of people have, what they consider to be, basement hobbies- things that they're embarrassed to talk about that they enjoy doing (that might not even be detrimental or dumb). StarCraft and Diablo were ones for me before I found TL, watched Day[9] Daily #100, and realized that everyone else can go fuck themselves if they don't appreciate a little variety in their friends. It obviously helps that my girlfriend is supportive and that I'm not actually 100% obsessed (I do a million other things with my life), but having people around you that respect your hobbies (as opposed to, say, parents that *just don't get it*) make the evolution from "It's a basement hobby" to "It's something I do for fun and I'm proud of it" sooo much easier. Haters gonna hate. We're here for you
I feel you man. Supportive loved ones are quite honestly, one of the best things I could ask for. Starcraft dates are good for when I'm stripped for money ):
And even my parents, who are sometimes of the typical, super strict Asian variety, are surprisingly interested in my hobbies. They ask about how my CSL games go and even told me to stream/coach Starcraft when I needed a second summer job.
On May 10 2012 14:08 Kentor wrote:
Ask her if jacking off is a basement hobby.
As I was writing this, I knew someone would mention fapping lmao.
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United States260 Posts
I think she's embarrassed by it because she doesn't like it and it's a kind of a niche thing that she's put some sort of stigma on. If she liked it, she probably wouldn't call it a "basement hobby". I have a lot of friends who play D&D, Rifts/PFRPG, CoCRPGs, etc and most of their Girlfriends and boyfriends think the same thing, because society attaches a stigma on people who play RPGs; they don't want them to acknowledge it publicly and face ridicule for being associated with them (which of course, wouldn't actually happen), but themselves don't look down on their boyfriends/girlfriends, obviously. Same with me. I'll tell anyone who listens why I think the writing style of JRR Tolkien was fucking genuis, but my GF doesn't want me to breath a word to anyone besides her about that shit because a lot of people think people who like LotR are giant nerds/geeks; maybe true, but she or I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, you know, she just doesn't want anyone thinking of me in that way. I don't know, just a weird stigma thing I guess.
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On May 10 2012 14:10 laLAlA[uC] wrote:Show nested quote +On May 10 2012 14:00 Luepert wrote:
Like 99% of people in high school (and somewhat in college) just do what they do to be "cool" and fit in. I know guys who hate sports but play basketball to have a "popular image." They all go to sporting events they are ignorant of and don't care about just to fit in. It's pretty stupid if you ask me, but it's kind of how the system works. Also, I'm extremely jealous that you have badminton at your school. :D I know. It's so stupid. I hate how everyone tries to be "mainstream" and stuff but I guess there's no helping it. :/ Also. Yeah, badminton is awesome (: Show nested quote +On May 10 2012 14:01 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:I think a lot of people have, what they consider to be, basement hobbies- things that they're embarrassed to talk about that they enjoy doing (that might not even be detrimental or dumb). StarCraft and Diablo were ones for me before I found TL, watched Day[9] Daily #100, and realized that everyone else can go fuck themselves if they don't appreciate a little variety in their friends. It obviously helps that my girlfriend is supportive and that I'm not actually 100% obsessed (I do a million other things with my life), but having people around you that respect your hobbies (as opposed to, say, parents that *just don't get it*) make the evolution from "It's a basement hobby" to "It's something I do for fun and I'm proud of it" sooo much easier. Haters gonna hate. We're here for you I feel you man. Supportive loved ones are quite honestly, one of the best things I could ask for. Starcraft dates are good for when I'm stripped for money ): And even my parents, who are sometimes of the typical, super strict Asian variety, are surprisingly interested in my hobbies. They ask about how my CSL games go and even told me to stream/coach Starcraft when I needed a second summer job. Show nested quote +On May 10 2012 14:08 Kentor wrote:
Ask her if jacking off is a basement hobby. As I was writing this, I knew someone would mention fapping lmao.
I typed it, then didn't post it lol.
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United States260 Posts
On May 10 2012 14:08 Kentor wrote:
Ask her if jacking off is a basement hobby.
Shower hobby
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On May 10 2012 14:14 Wrongspeedy wrote:Show nested quote +On May 10 2012 14:10 laLAlA[uC] wrote:On May 10 2012 14:00 Luepert wrote:
Like 99% of people in high school (and somewhat in college) just do what they do to be "cool" and fit in. I know guys who hate sports but play basketball to have a "popular image." They all go to sporting events they are ignorant of and don't care about just to fit in. It's pretty stupid if you ask me, but it's kind of how the system works. Also, I'm extremely jealous that you have badminton at your school. :D I know. It's so stupid. I hate how everyone tries to be "mainstream" and stuff but I guess there's no helping it. :/ Also. Yeah, badminton is awesome (: On May 10 2012 14:01 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:I think a lot of people have, what they consider to be, basement hobbies- things that they're embarrassed to talk about that they enjoy doing (that might not even be detrimental or dumb). StarCraft and Diablo were ones for me before I found TL, watched Day[9] Daily #100, and realized that everyone else can go fuck themselves if they don't appreciate a little variety in their friends. It obviously helps that my girlfriend is supportive and that I'm not actually 100% obsessed (I do a million other things with my life), but having people around you that respect your hobbies (as opposed to, say, parents that *just don't get it*) make the evolution from "It's a basement hobby" to "It's something I do for fun and I'm proud of it" sooo much easier. Haters gonna hate. We're here for you I feel you man. Supportive loved ones are quite honestly, one of the best things I could ask for. Starcraft dates are good for when I'm stripped for money ): And even my parents, who are sometimes of the typical, super strict Asian variety, are surprisingly interested in my hobbies. They ask about how my CSL games go and even told me to stream/coach Starcraft when I needed a second summer job. On May 10 2012 14:08 Kentor wrote:
Ask her if jacking off is a basement hobby. As I was writing this, I knew someone would mention fapping lmao. I typed it, then didn't post it lol.
I did it while posting.
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On May 10 2012 14:19 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:Show nested quote +On May 10 2012 14:14 Wrongspeedy wrote:On May 10 2012 14:10 laLAlA[uC] wrote:On May 10 2012 14:00 Luepert wrote:
Like 99% of people in high school (and somewhat in college) just do what they do to be "cool" and fit in. I know guys who hate sports but play basketball to have a "popular image." They all go to sporting events they are ignorant of and don't care about just to fit in. It's pretty stupid if you ask me, but it's kind of how the system works. Also, I'm extremely jealous that you have badminton at your school. :D I know. It's so stupid. I hate how everyone tries to be "mainstream" and stuff but I guess there's no helping it. :/ Also. Yeah, badminton is awesome (: On May 10 2012 14:01 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:I think a lot of people have, what they consider to be, basement hobbies- things that they're embarrassed to talk about that they enjoy doing (that might not even be detrimental or dumb). StarCraft and Diablo were ones for me before I found TL, watched Day[9] Daily #100, and realized that everyone else can go fuck themselves if they don't appreciate a little variety in their friends. It obviously helps that my girlfriend is supportive and that I'm not actually 100% obsessed (I do a million other things with my life), but having people around you that respect your hobbies (as opposed to, say, parents that *just don't get it*) make the evolution from "It's a basement hobby" to "It's something I do for fun and I'm proud of it" sooo much easier. Haters gonna hate. We're here for you I feel you man. Supportive loved ones are quite honestly, one of the best things I could ask for. Starcraft dates are good for when I'm stripped for money ): And even my parents, who are sometimes of the typical, super strict Asian variety, are surprisingly interested in my hobbies. They ask about how my CSL games go and even told me to stream/coach Starcraft when I needed a second summer job. On May 10 2012 14:08 Kentor wrote:
Ask her if jacking off is a basement hobby. As I was writing this, I knew someone would mention fapping lmao. I typed it, then didn't post it lol. I did it while posting.
I couldn't work myself up for it
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Somehow I've gotten around to thinking that SC:BW isn't one of those "basement hobbies" and should be well accepted, but for some reason I still feel world of warcraft is one I'm embarrassed to have played.
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On May 10 2012 14:42 Roe wrote:
Somehow I've gotten around to thinking that SC:BW isn't one of those "basement hobbies" and should be well accepted, but for some reason I still feel world of warcraft is one I'm embarrassed to have played.
Why though. I'm actually very curious.
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I have to admit that during school and stuff I wasn't open about things like Starcraft, Diablo or Shadowrun at all. Like, I talked with people who had similar interest about it but I'd say I was ashamed of being like LOOK BRO ITS AWESOME. =S
After like the age of 18/19 I started working on not being such a pussy. Turns out most people find stuff cool that someone else is passionate about. Don't be afraid to be passionate and just ignore those few haters which will always be around. <3
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Kpop isn't a basement hobby Girls Generation songs have like 70,000,000 views on youtube. Tons of people like it.
Aren't "basement hobbies" like sexual fetishes and private matters?
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On May 10 2012 15:08 laLAlA[uC] wrote:Show nested quote +On May 10 2012 14:42 Roe wrote:
Somehow I've gotten around to thinking that SC:BW isn't one of those "basement hobbies" and should be well accepted, but for some reason I still feel world of warcraft is one I'm embarrassed to have played. Why though. I'm actually very curious.
It's probably because I was addicted to WoW, and I didn't think there was much skill involved. Conversely through watching all the pro leagues and pro gamers playing bw, I saw that it was something more than just another video game. I also never found it (or any RTS) addictive by nature because the game has a clear start/end point.
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I'd consider bronydom a basement hobby. No way in hell do I go around announcing it irl  .
Apart from that, I don't see why you'd be afraid to admit you play starcraft, it's so much better than other types of video games. I mean I can understand being reticent to share some mmos and the like, but rts and fps style games are generally held in higher regard by the general public (non-gamers) in my experience.
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On May 10 2012 15:41 Sinensis wrote:
Kpop isn't a basement hobby Girls Generation songs have like 70,000,000 views on youtube. Tons of people like it.
Aren't "basement hobbies" like sexual fetishes and private matters?
How is Kpop not a sexual fetish?
Not that I disaprove of it.
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kpop isnt a shame unless you put a bag over your gf head while having sex...
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On May 10 2012 14:42 Roe wrote:
Somehow I've gotten around to thinking that SC:BW isn't one of those "basement hobbies" and should be well accepted, but for some reason I still feel world of warcraft is one I'm embarrassed to have played.
Well, that's because everyone hates it/thinks it is a giga nerd game. Even a lot of gamers, who dont play WoW, look down upon WoW.
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I think its all about the passion you bring with your hobby. I know a lot of people which got their "basement hobbys" because they aren`t that motivated and passioned enough to make it public. They dont love what they`re doing, so they dont want to risk any social-stuff for it.
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EPT
