My name is Stewart. I am a gamer.
I am not what many people think of as a male gamer. I am not overweight, the
longest I wear the same T-shirt is two days, and then only under a jumper. I
know the meaning of the words 'shower', 'razor', and 'deodorant'. My t-shirts
are simple black, without a fantasy or science fiction shirt in my collection.
If one gets stained, I change it as soon as possible.
I don't wear glasses. I may work with computers, but my eyesight is within the
range that does not need adjustment. I don't slavishly read series of fantasy
novels such as 'Dragonlance' or 'Wheel of Time'. Whilst I may like anime, I do
not think that it is the be-all and end-all. Though I have long hair, I wash it
regularly. Personal hygiene is something I take seriously.
I do not stutter. I do not have a problem talking to people. Though I might seem
somewhat anti-social or stand-offish, that is because I prefer to know more
about whom I am talking to than because of any lack of social skills. I am well
spoken and understand the concept of manners. Though I cannot claim to
'understand women', I believe that no man can. I can get along with women and
men to an equal degree. I know what to say and when to say it. I have social
skills.
I am not a Satanist. I do not worship the devil. While my beliefs are not those
of mainstream Christianity, or any other kind of Christianity, I am not
inherently 'evil'. I do not sacrifice people. I go out of my way to show the
good side of human nature. I have considered my beliefs and am secure in them. I
have no need to press them on other people.
I am not a 'goth'. I dress in black as it is utilitarian, and fits in anywhere.
I am not drowning in angst or burning up with machismo. I believe that leather
has its place in a wardrobe, but should not take it over. I know what a suit and
tie are, and even own said items.
I do use a computer. I am practically addicted to computers. But that is because
of my degree, and my ways of thinking. I work as a systems administrator, and I
could have a lot worse job. I do not sit for hours and hours, squinting at a
screen filled with internet porn. I do not play day after day's worth of
mindless 'action' games. I do not get my rocks off over the latest software.
I do show some of the classic signs of being a stereotype. I have a large file
of character sheets. I have a large amount of dice. I am online just about every
night. I read what many would consider to be 'too much'. I prefer the abstract
to the material. My kitchen has a pile of washing up waiting to be done.
On the other hand, I display the signs of being part of other stereotypes. I
drink. I do go to the pub every Monday night for the pub quiz, which
occasionally we win. I watch football (soccer, to Americans and other aliens),
rugby and cricket. I listen to a fair bit of music. I do not spend every other
night in a bar, trying to drown myself in a dream world made possible through
alcohol. I tend to avoid getting too drunk at all. I am not a sports fanatic. I
do not play loud rock and heavy metal music when others might not want me to. I
have a social conscience.
I am a male gamer. But I am not a stereotype. Though I may be seen as 'other' by
the mainstream, I can co-exist with it, and have done for a long time.
I am not a stereotype. And if you are prejudiced by me being a male gamer,
perhaps you should look at yourself, rather than me, as the cause.