odd conversation

[gung-hoeddie]

i thought i'd post this out of interest, during a lunch time chin wag at work i mentioned that i've started to re-collect action force toys. I was or seemed to be mocked almost, yes being in my thirties it would perhaps seem bizarre to the ignorant, i was just suprised at the looks of contempt i generated from the one comment. Any views on this?

[louie0316]

everybody collects something mainly from there past which they never compleated or just have fond memories of, yours is like everyones on hear is action force its your guilty pleasure and i hope you enjoy collecting them like everyone else on this site as we all have a common interest and feel free to express your views

[Crimson Rage]

It's only because we're in a minority that we get mocked. It's the same with sci-fi (of which I'm also a fan). I can't understand how people obsess over sports, but because they're in the majority it's considered 'normal'. 'Normal' people like to feel superior so mock the minority - Sad but true.

Also, these people only work in packs - In the Post Office were I used to work, whenever I walked past a gang of the 'lads', they all started humming the Star Wars theme tune (innacurate, as I was into Star Trek), yet if just one of these guys was on their own when I walked past, they said nothing. To me that proves they were either afraid of me or just trying to impress their mates - Either way, it made them far sadder than I ever could be...

Besides, people into the sort of things we like seem to be the more creative and imaginative types, and I'm not just saying that. I'd rather be an inspired individual than a listless drone who abandoned everything they enjoyed simply because society said they were 'too old'.

[The Kraken Wakes]

I always find that if I mention it in a large group I get mocked more than one or a couple of people. Everyone where I work knows and I get a few jokes, esp as my boss used to work for pallitoy...

I think its just that people are more understanding singly and follow the pack in groups or just that people would rather take the piss when they have back up...

[gung-hoeddie]

true. I retired from rugby a few years ago now, something which is accepted by the masses as a mans sport, i know if i went back to the club now and told them that i've got a new hobby i would be laughed at. But to be honest i think you get to an age where you become more of an individual with your own goals, not really caring what others think. I was suprised at the reaction i got as i think action force is awesome. I've thought about starting to collect them again for over ten years, now that i have, i wish i'd started earlier, i just don't like the pack mentality you get.

[Crimson Rage]

I know I shouldn't care what people think, but at the end of the day I'm a sensitive sort and tend to take things to heart. Racism, sexism and homophobia are all frowned on, yet 'hobbyism' is takenfor granted and those on the receiving end are supposed to 'suck it up', yet some of the things that get said (certainly in my experience) can be as nasty as any of those others.

[tintinlostsnowy]

Maybe they mocked you to hide their own guilty pleasures which could range from the absured to the disturbed.

I doubt they would have mocked you if they would have had a few beer's on therir own with you as they would have probably told you that they may have a hobby which other's wouldn't approve of but they feel insecure about letting others know about it.


Disclaimer! Tintin has been at the Glenfiddich again before watching Burnley beat Southampton and could well be off his trolley before going out and having more copious amounts of beer!

[The Baron]

I hope you told them to piss off. Contemptuous people don't deserve any explanations. Just remember no-one is beyond sarcasm.

Collecting is fun and action figures are cool, end of list. Sure I get some wisecracks from my mates, but get them alone with a Skystriker and I guarantee you their first thought is Wow!

I think you should up the ante, take a couple of figures with you into work, I bet everyone will want a go and that the person who doesn't will soon become the one who is "sad".

[gung-hoeddie]

i must admit to being very tempted to buy myself an action force lunch box to take to work, so they can shove one where the sun doesn't shine.

[The Kraken Wakes]

I have a red shadow and kraken on my computer at work which prompted the questions and my boss to recognise them...