Should An Adult Still Read Comic Books And Play Video Games

[DSC]

I was watching a video where talk show host Bill Maher, in his own show, talks about how grown up people are still holding on to their comic books, and condemns them for supposedly not growing up:

Spoiler

 

There were also many comments there supporting him. And honestly... It really hurt me. I'm trying to take advice and seriously stop caring what others say, but my conscience very stubbornly refuses to let it go, and its making me doubt myself. I did try and think for myself... Trying to refute their bullshit. I love comics and video games(hell, I'm even posting this in a forum dedicated to one), and I think they are just as valid mediums for art as any other, you can do some incredible things with them. Many of them, like Watchmen, are serious works that can and do surpass many others from the "traditional" realms such as literature and cinema. Even the "kiddy" stuff like Marvel from the 60's is noteworthy. Just because something is aimed at younger audiences doesn't mean it can't be deep and thoughtful, and overall a good work of art and piece of media, or that it can't be enjoyed as an adult.

 

But thing is, there were many comments saying otherwise, and gathering a fair amount of upvotes and support. I try not to care about others opinions now, but they were all saying those forms of media were for manchildren and outcasts that refused to grow up, which made me doubt myself again... Am I truly a pathetic adult that refuses to grow up? Should I left all of this behind and act like a man my age? I had and still do have issues trying to learn in higher education in an university, trying to pursue a degree, and the thought of being a failure is very daunting. I've tried working on it, but I still have some self-doubt issues. This time, what's bothering me so much is just the support those comments and messages got. Bill himself doesn't bother me, I've since learned about trusting pseudo-intellectuals, but when so many people overwhelmingly tell you you're wrong, you start to think if maybe they are right...

 

Again, this is a forum dedicated to an old video-game, so obviously most of you are going to defend it. I just want to honestly ask directly to people who are smarter than me, if I am correct in believing I'm a failure that should abandon comic books and video games, and if not then why. I just want to be less ignorant and know what to do with my life. I know I said I would try to live it the way I want, but I don't want to live being rejected like this by society... I am seriously worried about the path I choose to take in life.

 

[DSC]

PS: Don't worry too much, I'm still mentally much more stable now, I promise I won't do anything stupid like trying to hurt myself or anything like that. 

[TheMagicMushroomMan]

Being an adult means being secure enough to not care what others think about your hobbies. Obviously the guy in the video never learned that. What I do for fun is my business until I decide to share it. I don't care if I'm reading comics, playing video games, or jerking off - it's my business and I don't care what a stranger on the internet thinks. Or Bill Maher, of all people.

 

You say you're stable, but you're still letting Youtube videos like this get to your head. You really need to stop watching this shit, it's doing you no good and you're going to get the same response here that you got in your other threads - stop listening to assholes on the internet. Sorry to be harsh, but it's true.

[7Mahonin]

Who listens to Bill Maher and actually takes him seriously? The fuck? 

[DSC]

4 hours ago, TheMagicMushroomMan said:

Sorry to be harsh, but it's true.

Nah, its ok. The reason I'm being so bothered by those people right now is because I'm afraid I'm not going to live my life like a normal person and responsible adult does. I'm afraid I become a sad, outcast loner that doesn't function in society.

 

4 hours ago, TheMagicMushroomMan said:

You say you're stable, but you're still letting Youtube videos like this get to your head. You really need to stop watching this shit, it's doing you no good

That's yet another thing... I can't stop. I just want to try my hardest not to live in a bubble or a safe space and try to listen to other opinions, no matter how much I diasgree.

 

4 hours ago, 7Mahonin said:

Who listens to Bill Maher and actually takes him seriously? The fuck? 

Don't worry, it was not that asshole himself that directly made me feel what I'm feeling now.

[indigotyrian]

Who fucking cares what some dipshit fossil like Bill Maher, or for that matter, any other stuck-in-the-past moron boomer/gen x'er thinks?

[StodgyAyatollah]

Bill Maher's rants are entirely hyperbolic (and written by other people) because it's comedy. Getting upset over comedy is pretty silly imo. On the actual subject though. Like all things there is a point where something can become unhealthy and a lot of people do dwell in an undeveloped childlike state. Probably now more than ever in our history so there is some truth in what he is saying. As children we tend to have fewer responsibilities and more free time to indulge in fiction and entertainment. As adults the reality of our often harsh situations become priority over all else so those that still devote a great deal of their time to these things are perceived as childlike. There is also the generation gap. The interests of younger generations are often considered childish by older generation, who had their own interests that were also considered childish at one point. Just prioritize things properly for the reality of you're situation. You're life is you're problem, not Bill Maher's or any one else's so make of that what you will. 

[Misty]

No, adults must be boring and only focus on super serious things like politics, finances, child care and etc...



As for really serious note, I'd suggest to listen less random figures that shout into the void and focus on your well being. If games, comics makes you happy, go for it. Who cares what you do on your free time, as long as you don't hurt yourself and others. Situation around the globe isn't the best, so decompressing and disconnection is important. 

[Silhouette 03]

I was gonna say "fuck those people" but I'll try and be a bit more articulate with my words.

 

The fact that people still think like that is narrow minded. These days, Video games are more often than not targeted at people over the age of 18, legally adults in many countries. Same goes for Comic books, Anime, etc. Lots, and I mean lots, of media today is designed for adults. Video games, comic books and anime are mediums of entertainment, and can be designed for adult audiences.

 

When I was still in High school, I once told a friend I was a doom mapper. He laughed at me, scoffed at the idea that I had a passion for level design. Did that make my question my love for doom mapping? No! It made me angry. Who was he to judge my love for something that I hold close to my heart, something that helped me through one of the darkest parts of my life. Don't be ashamed to like the things you like.

 

I don't mean this in any malicious way, but please stop caring what other people think of you. I'm trying to break that habit of caring what other people think of me, and so can you. The only person who should judge you is yourself. Be you unquestionably.

 

Apologies if this post comes off as somewhat rant-y, I'm not very good with words.

[DSC]

It seems to be that I my questions are being just slightly misunderstood. Its ok, I don't have a way with words and english isn't my first language, so its natural it could happen. I will try to clear things up now: its not that fucking asshole Bill Maher that's bothering me so much. I've learned to stop caring what people like him think about me: I did learn something from last time. Its more about society as a whole and if I will ever fit in or be a loser, an outcast for still liking this kind of stuff.

[Rudolph]

Bill Meh-er in a nutshell:

 

 

[Silhouette 03]

2 minutes ago, DSC said:

its not that fucking asshole Bill Maher that's bothering me so much. I've learned to stop caring what people like him think about me: I did learn something from last time.

Then why did you mention him? why mention him in the first place if what he says doesn't bother you?

 

[Sonikkumania]

Nah I have a little collection of comics ( mostly European Donald Ducks from 70's to early 2000's ) but I also have some comics in more "mature taste" ( lol Donald Duck is for everyone! ), like Corto Maltese or Andy Cap, also few WW 2 comics. So yeah there's a lot of comics that are specially made for adults and there's comics which everyone can enjoy, so there's nothing wrong about reading and collecting them.

 

As for video games it's a same thing in a way though I don't really consume vidya as much as I've grown up. I have noticed though that video games like a stimulating subjects in life tend to create addiction which sucks. Especially if the player doesn't even enjoy the gaming anymore.

[Csucskos]

I just want to say, it's completely normal to doubt yourself, everyone has these thoughts. Trying to fit in is also normal. This is why there are so many supporting people on Bill Maher's video and will be so many defenders on this site. People like to gather in likeminded groups. (The "tribe" vs "outsiders" is a really common rhetoric which strengthen the members' bonds.)

 

What is the answer to your question? I do not know. Is there a "true" answer anyways?

 

In my philosophy people should do whatever they want if it does not hurt anyone. Yeah, it's fuzzy and there are ton of edgecases but this is the general idea. So, if YOU enjoy reading comic books and playing video games then do so. Everyone is different, there are people who does not enjoy these things which is fine but trying to force their views on others is not.

[DSC]

Just now, Silhouette 03 said:

Then why did you mention him? why mention him in the first place if what he says doesn't bother you?

 

Because what is worrying me so much isn't him himself, its the message and general sentiment expressed, that got a lot of support in the comments under the video, from the general population and the average person.

[dasho]

You really need to get off of the Internet for a while and understand that it (social media/comments) is more or less an alternate reality for weak people who wouldn't say 99% of the shit they say in YouTube comments to someone's face.

[Rudolph]

10 minutes ago, DSC said:

Because what is worrying me so much isn't him himself, its the message and general sentiment expressed, that got a lot of support in the comments under the video, from the general population and the average person.

Maher is really not all that popular or relevant these days. That is why he finds himself trying to pander to increasingly reactionary audiences. Like most hacks nowadays, his career is on life support and depends entirely on some arbirtrary algorithm-based notion of success.

 

As for the comments, keep in mind that comments sections are not a democracy and can easily be astroturfed.

Edited October 8, 2022 by Rudolph

[Silhouette 03]

1 minute ago, DSC said:

Because what is worrying me so much isn't him himself, its the message and general sentiment expressed, that got a lot of support in the comments under the video, from the general population and the average person

So? People support idiotic sentiments all the time. Just because a lot of people support something doesn't mean it's not stupid.

[Solmyr]

Being an adult is about assuming responsibility, emotional maturity, self control and discipline, being diplomatic, financially sufficient and independent. It's not about what hobbies you should have. Honestly adults making fun about other adults liking "kiddie" stuff such as comics and videogames, comes across as childish therefore hypocritical.

 

Lot's of people don't realize that most adults occasionally display some child-like traits, such as being pissed off and throwing tantrums when things don't go their own way, making fun of other adults for being or acting different, idealize what a "real" adult should be like, and so on. In the end Adults are big children, just more subdued in their behavior and less sociopathic and cruel (for the most part).

 

Don't worry about what other folk thinks about you and don't be too hard about yourself, the only thing you should worry is the fact that you take emotional compromise at shit other people say and it throws you off. 

[Nikoka]

The ancient Romans said "est modus in rebus"(in things there is a right measure).
It is all a matter of degree. Neither too much nor too little. I am over 40 years old, I have studied, worked, married and had a child, divorced, lost parents and friends, changed jobs, lost my dear dog, got a new partner, had a tumor: and with all this I have always played video games. I haven't gone crazy, I'm not unsocial or neurotic, I'm quite balanced and socially integrated although, in the end, ......... ............................... I'm a nerd. 🤣

[Herr Dethnout]

The real question here is: Why not?

I see grown up people watching movies based on comic books or videogames. Hell, when I was on the cinema to see Battle of The Gods I probably was the only "kid" on the room (13 years at the time). Pure grown ass people watching Goku being a SSJ God in that place.

It's like a comment I see long time ago from a guy who said that "Wrestling is childish shit and you people should grown up", yet I barely see kids on the crowd.

If being a adult is just having a boring, blue collar job, talk about sensitive or polemic things, or being able to drink and drive rather than enjoy whatever your want without caring the opinion of others then you are looking it from the wrong side.

[DSC]

10 minutes ago, Silhouette 03 said:

So? People support idiotic sentiments all the time. Just because a lot of people support something doesn't mean it's not stupid.

I know popularity doesn't always correlate with quality, but... Its hard to explain. It just feels like I'm being contrarian, going against the grain.

[Rudolph]

12 minutes ago, DSC said:

I know popularity doesn't always correlate with quality, but... Its hard to explain. It just feels like I'm being contrarian, going against the grain.

Then embrace it. There is nothing wrong with having niche interests and being into countercultures... so long as you are not being a dick about it or said countercultures are not actively harmful to you or the others, mind you.

 

If anything, it might make you cooler and more interesting as a person. After all, there is a reason why resentful little dweebs like Ben Shapiro and Tim Pool had to buy their way into notoriety by artificially boosting their numbers through bots, sockpuppets and ad campaigns.

Edited October 8, 2022 by Rudolph

[Silhouette 03]

1 minute ago, DSC said:

It just feels like I'm being contrarian, going against the grain.

Not agreeing with something doesn't make you an outcast. It makes you an individual. Embrace your ideas and opinions.

[forgettable pyromaniac]

people are stupid - that's all there is to it. if you're stupid enough to not have fun, don't have fun.

I ESPECIALLY HATE IT when people force those things upon the people around them (let alone on youtube videos), that's when I'll tell people to fuck off and go do something more important with their lives.

[Sena]

You can't exactly choose your interests, if you like video games and comics, then you really shouldn't let some punter on the TV try and convince you otherwise. If you really want to engage in mature, thoughtful and introspective works of art, then there's plenty of options out there, whether that comes from a 'respected' medium like literature, or one like video games. And you can certainly do a lot better than watching Bill Maher, late night talk shows are to TV what airport novels are to literature, and among the rung of talk shows, you can't get much worse than the ones that exist to reinforce and self-congratulate the audience for their political views. Like Bill Maher.

[Gez]

A grown-up should like work all the time. If you have time for a hobby, you have time for a second (or third, or fourth) job. The only acceptable grown-up hobby is, after a hard day's work, drinking yourself to a stupor to avoid thinking about how dreadful your life is.

 

Nah but seriously. Someone get me a list of approved pastimes for adults and then explain to me how they're less childish than video games or comic book. Because I'm not sure how getting drunk, watching porn, and rioting during a soccer match is better.

[TheFocus]

as long as you aren't obsessed, and it hurts no one else, do whatever the fuck you want.

[Domestic-Weirdo]

If being an adult means becoming a cynical, judgmental tool like this guy, then I'm totally fine with fighting an obese doctor's killer robots as a blue hedgehog.

[TheMagicMushroomMan]

1 hour ago, Gez said:

A grown-up should like work all the time. If you have time for a hobby, you have time for a second (or third, or fourth) job. The only acceptable grown-up hobby is, after a hard day's work, drinking yourself to a stupor to avoid thinking about how dreadful your life is.

 

Nah but seriously. Someone get me a list of approved pastimes for adults and then explain to me how they're less childish than video games or comic book. Because I'm not sure how getting drunk, watching porn, and rioting during a soccer match is better.

I get drunk and riot while watching porn at work while thinking about how dreadful my life is all the time. Multitasking is part of being an adult.

 

No, really, if reading comic books is considered unacceptable behavior, then all of Japan must be nothing but a bunch of pre-pubescent toddlers. I hear they even watch cartoons over there, can you believe that shit?

 

Kindness is an important thing in life, a virtue only rivaled by the ability to say fuck you to people who don't deserve it.

Edited October 8, 2022 by TheMagicMushroomMan