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Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 2:41 pm
by Iceman
Because of some recent topics going around, I was reluctant to post this one, However I feel it needs to be addressed, as it relates to me personally and not Soakerdom.

As many of you know, my team suffers from a huge wave of prejudice in our area. Prejudice, for those who do not know, is where people have too early of an opinion, usually negative, without evidence and no knowledge. Usually people who are full or prejudice will let people know of their opinions, especially the victims.

Here is my issue. I moved from Sykesville, Maryland. It was quieter down there, and I used to participate in wars with high school students looking for something to do. We had lots of fun, and we played often. However recently I had to move to Leesport, Pennsylvania. The first time I decided to bring my guns out, all was fine until school started. I never mentioned it to anyone, but soon enough people found out, and became full of hatred towards me. So I was put down because I liked my hobby, and was basically shunned from normal society (as in no one ever talks to me) for 2 years, and it still goes on today.

I have talked to many members of Soakerdom on this issue, and most agree Age IS NOT a factor in if you should be liking this hobby or not. The Peer Pressure is extreme, it’s hurtful, and most of all it is real, and it is going on. We never got the questioned solved for sure. No matter how much I tell myself its ok to do what you want, or you’re free to do what you want, or they are losers, I always have a tough time dealing with all the pressure and hate, and I feel like I am the only one in the community suffering from this. This makes me feel even worse, and I almost quit Soakerdom 3 or 4 times, and water guns all together, just to escape from all the peer pressure and prejudice.

So I keep telling myself all these positive things. The next morning when I wake up, it all begins and I can’t find the words to say to those smart mouths, and I can’t find the right way to act to those situations. I am discriminated, hated, and a victim of extreme peer pressure and prejudice. I have gone to the Community (Soakerdom), my parents, counselors, even the principals, and it has not gotten any better. Heck most of you are my age, and I am still amazed at hoe you guys are pulling this off. I am a nice person and I do not want to hit anyone, yet I’m sick of all the pressure that is making me begin to snap at people, usually people I enjoy to be around with (family, friends, Double O’nothing and Nightstalker) and I don’t know what to do, or where to go.

So if someone could help me on this sensitive topic.. I don’t know what to do. It all seems hopeless. We are being battered down each day for our hobby, not to mention I get mocked every day for being societies “idiot” or “high school loser”. I am sick of it, I really am. What do I do? Anyone? (Isoaker if this topic is too inappropriate to be posted, please delete as you see fit.)

Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 3:01 pm
by isoaker
Not an inappropriate topic since it deals with coping with a love of water warfare even when the people around you don't appreciate/shun you for it.

Unforunately, it is an extremely difficult things to deal with. There are no simple solutions to prejudice. IMO, it ends up being a matter of how much you like something vs how much you care about how others think of you for liking it. I've had my share of ridicule, but all things considered, those who ridicule me over this past-time wouldn't have been my friends, anyhow.

:cool:

Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 3:09 pm
by Spinner
Prejudice is dreadful, but sadly it is a fact of our modern age. All too often people look for differences more than they look for similarities, and ones get prejudiced by things ranging from spectacles to water guns. Personally, I have been prejudiced against because of my religion and even to an extent the fact that I was educated at home rather than at school.

Bottom line is: if people want to hate you, they will...do your best to continue to apply good principles in your life and people worth being friends with will probably feel drawn to you, while the real "high school losers" lose out on knowing you. Their problem, not yours.

Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 3:15 pm
by blueviper42
well since no matter if you quit water guns they wont quit, so quitting is no use. I really dont have an answer. If you hit one, they will most likely all beat the crap out of you. I really feel for you, I really do.

Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 7:25 pm
by Adrian
Don't let the ignorance of others dictate what you do. That's compromising, letting them win. Don't let people like that win. If you encourage something, you do get more of it.

Adrian

Re: My Life, Soakers, hate, pressure and Prejudice. - What does

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 12:06 am
by Dusk
WHAT!!!!!!! YOU TOO? THAT USED TO HAPPEN TO ME ALL THE TIME. JUST BE WHO YOU ARE AND DA@#*%$?! WHAT ANY ONE ELSE SAYS!!! (pardon my french) p.s that means sorry for swearing.