How do *you* deal with immodesty in the media?

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I avoid it, when it doubt avoid it. Just walk out and when unable I just look the other way or whatever. At the same time I remind myself not to feel guilty for merely seeing something, even if tempted but rejected it.
 
nesguy said:
I’m trying to decide how to deal with occasions of incidental immodesty in some of the entertainment I enjoy. As a man, I’ve had serious struggles with lust in my life, and it’s only been in the last year or so that I’ve begun to temper this sinful part of my life. To help this along, I’ve decided to cut out a lot of the movies and television shows that I used to enjoy, as many of them featured outright nudity and sexual immorality (The Sopranos, Dexter, etc.). I’m also a long-time fan of anime, comic books, and video games, but I’ve had to be much more careful since I relinquished my hold on lustful habits.

Despite my best efforts, sometimes I come across immodesty in the entertainment I choose to enjoy. I’m trying to understand if there’s a categorical difference between this and, say, encountering a Victoria’s Secret ad at my local mall. As two examples of what I’m talking about, let me tell of two recent occurrences:
  • I started reading a comics series named Bleach. It’s an action series geared toward teenage boys (admittedly, I should’ve guessed such problems might be categorically forthcoming). Mostly, it involves sword-fights and the main characters trying to outwit their enemies. Unfortunately, ten or so volumes into the series, a minor character is introduced whose bosom hangs out of her outfit in an evocative manner. Later in the series (20 or so volumes later), there’s a similar incident where a female enemy character is brought into the story, and while she’s technically not naked, a bikini probably covers more skin.
  • I picked up a video game called Fire Emblem: Awakening. It’s a strategy role-playing game in a medieval setting (akin to playing chess), and while the game has thus far been 99% wholesome, after about six hours of play thus far, an enemy female was briefly introduced with a significant amount of visible cleavage. The game largely involves defending your home kingdom from invasions by brigands and mysterious magical creatures, and thus is fairly benign, yet it troubles me that such material is present in something that I was anticipating to be a nice diversion from these kinds of issues. The game has otherwise been rather uplifting, extolling the virtues of chivalry, seeking peace over war, and being kind to everyone you meet, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
  • I’m a big Star Wars fan. As anyone who’s seen the movies knows, the good ol’ Princess runs around in a gold bikini in first half of the last film. While my teenage fantasies are truly long behind me, it’s a moral quandary on how to approach that content in this stage of my life.
snip > deal with what I like to call “incidental immodesty”: the kind that you encounter in this fallen world despite best intentions to avoid it.
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Well, as someone who tolerated a little bit of immodesty in the 1970s, then a bit more in the 1980s, I got sick and tired of it in the 1990s. I could no longer listen to most music, a lot of magazines got struck off my list (I’m down to two), and step by step, drop by drop, the media, in general, dripped poison into our veins, all the while claiming “it” was “Tame by today’s standards.” Trust me, you will never find a book titled “Today’s Standards” as it regards media. And the trend worsened as each decade passed.

In Japan, drawings of partly or fully nude females are considered “not real” and OK, as opposed to photos of same. It’s too bad that artists both here and there have decided that lots of cleavage or balloons as breasts are OK. It’s not OK. Women should always be depicted in a dignified way.

I’ve dumped the vast majority of TV shows. I understood what they were trying to do with the Sopranos so I watched it for a time, but by showing more graphic depictions of mob life, as opposed to suggesting it as in the past, it caused my stomach to turn. Even worse with Dexter. So both had to go.

Even at the supermarket, some partly clothed or immodestly dressed woman is on the cover of too many magazines. Even a woman’s “fitness” magazine had a special article about orgasms, and Cosmopolitan has the word sex or sexual references on every cover.

I recommend that you look at it this way. Human dignity requires human decency in photos, words and dress. It appears that most any attractive actress has to be nude or partly nude in a movie along with spouting profanity. Or have photos published elsewhere.

My radio is tuned to Catholic Radio and nothing else.

So, yes, it’s coming at us from all directions. My advice is to seek out the good. For example, I may see one or two movies this year, and gradually get into the habit of deciding, instead of passively accepting, to rid yourself of everything unwanted. Because someone put those boobs in there, it was not a mistake, and guys are… well, guys.

Realize that most of the “used to be” entertainment industry is no longer on your side. Since, at one time, TV was called “a welcomed guest in our homes.” It no longer is. And that does not even include the commercials.

Use your imagination and cultivate Godly sources of entertainment and relaxation that avoid the all too common pitfalls you describe. Perhaps follow a dream you’ve had about doing something you’d like to do and put your time into that.

God bless,
Ed
 
I would encourage everyone to avoid a kind of mental paralysis whenever anyone suggests you can’t go anywhere or do much of anything. There are plenty of places to go but I will never go to a beach again. It took a long time but too many young women are now running around in underwear or just barely something.

In the past, families played board games together or went to the park together or went sledding. We went to the state fair. I still haunt used bookstores. I think too many aren’t willing to explore the possibilities. To take the time because it’s a choice between “easy” - everybody’s watching, playing or doing this - or the different, which means a little effort. Someone might take up painting or writing or earn that degree in whatever.

Peace,
Ed
 
edwest2 said:
In Japan, drawings of partly or fully nude females are considered “not real” and OK, as opposed to photos of same.
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I dunno, to me it seems like they take all kinds of animation more seriously in Japan. That’s why fanservice is so disgustingly common in anime- because the creators know that it can still affect people. If anything, westerners are the ones who seem to think drawn or animated nudity is “not real” and therefore doesn’t count. Which is a pretty silly and harmful mentality, of course.
edwest2 said:
It’s too bad that artists both here and there have decided that lots of cleavage or balloons as breasts are OK. It’s not OK. Women should always be depicted in a dignified way.
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Agree.
 
nesguy said:
  • I started reading a comics series named Bleach. It’s an action series geared toward teenage boys (admittedly, I should’ve guessed such problems might be categorically forthcoming). Mostly, it involves sword-fights and the main characters trying to outwit their enemies. Unfortunately, ten or so volumes into the series, a minor character is introduced whose bosom hangs out of her outfit in an evocative manner. Later in the series (20 or so volumes later), there’s a similar incident where a female enemy character is brought into the story, and while she’s technically not naked, a bikini probably covers more skin.
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I think you mean Rangiku, right? She wears a shinigami robe, and yeah, she shows some cleavage, but I don’t think it’s that extreme.

On the other hand, Harribel’s Ressurecion was a bit of a mistake, but you can effectively ignore her fight since, well, it never goes anywhere and Aizen just takes her out.
 
I just try and ignore it if immodestly is flashed in my face. But I really got sick of Gossip Girl for the same reasons, and ditched it for good. How such shows are aimed for teens, only God knows.

I watch a lot of sport, so I’m not likely to encounter a snogging scene. I even don’t watch music channels like MTV nowadays, they absolutely suck, it’s **** song after **** song after **** reality show.

I’m also not into movies so again I won’t encounter a lot. But again, I’m a very curious guy and I do fail in that sector sometimes… 😊
 
I’m a 56-year old woman, mother of two grown daughters.

My husband reads comic books (X Men and other classic titles). He spends a few hours a month with this hobby. That’s fine with me. We both really enjoy visiting the “comic book guy” in our city, who is an older man and an expert on comic books both classic and modern.

I’m going to give you my perspective on your question. First, the issue isn’t immodestry in the media. The issue is, you’re a young man and young men are turned on by almost everything that suggests “female.” That’s the way God made you.

You’ll grow out of it and learn to control yourself if you don’t “feed” it. If you keep “feeding it,” you’ll want more and more stimulation. The comic book or game that once turned you on won’t turn you on anymore, and you’ll seek out comic books and games with even sexier females, and eventually…well, my advice is, don’t feed it. Set a time limit on much time each week you will allow yourself to spend on comic books, video games, anime, and even television, and then stick with that limit.

And that brings up my second point. Hobbies and recreational activities and relaxation are all fine–in moderation. But how much time…be honest now…do you spend on comic books, anime, and video games?

IMO, how you spend your time is the issue here, not your sexual conflicts over the scantily-clad, large-bosomed comic book goddesses. The issue is that all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable for you. (I Corinthians 10:23-24).

I’m going to let you in on a secret about real-life females (all of us with small bosoms and flabby bellies and short limp mousy-brown hair and smallish eyes and no mutant powers!)–most of us aren’t impressed by men or boys who read comic books, play video games, and are into anime. Women, young and old, are looking for security–for a man who can provide for them and give them a pleasant life, a house, the basic necessities, and hopefully a few luxuries for themselves and their children.

We don’t see comic book guys/video game players as “good prospects” because these activities don’t generally lead to a productive life. We sense that if we marry a comic book guy, we will be doing our own house-painting, toilet repairs, and paying of bills, while our beloved lies on the sofa or sits in front of the computer all weekend.

Oh, I know–some guys claim that they are planning to design video games, and this truly is a lucrative career with potential for large income. But c’mon now–most guys never get around to designing a game, and if they do, they never market it, and if they do market it, it doesn’t sell.

Most women see “comic book guys” as “immature” or “Peter Pans” (never grew up). Sorry, buddy, but that’s the way it is. 😦

So my suggestion to you if you have any interest in real-life women (you said you will never be a monk!) is that you limit the time that you spend reading comic books and playing video games to a few hours a MONTH, and take up activities that are wholesome, productive, fun for you, and hopefully appealing to any women that you are trying to impress.

You don’t have to give it up entirely. We’re all need some time-wasting! I just spent a few hours doing CAF this Sunday morning, and in a few minutes, we’ll be attending a Peony Brunch–oh, brother! Sitting around eating too much and looking at peonies! Sigh.

But I don’t spend hours and hours every day doing CAF or attending brunches. This evening, I plan to spend several hours practicing the piano for an upcoming concert. And I would like to put in some time editing the novel that I’m trying to get to the publisher.

My point is–limit your time with comics and fantasy worlds.

How about sports? If you aren’t into team sports, how about a solo sport like running? Or biking? Or take up something that is related to your interest in comics and gaming, like martial arts or rock climbing.

How about arts? Learn to play an instrument and get involved with the musical community in your area. Or just start attending concerts at venues that feature the music styles that you like. Or even better–develop an interest in a music style that is not the “norm” for people your age; e.g., opera, or Acadian folk, or polka.

Or learn to dance. One of the young men that I know has taken up swing dancing, and he is really good at it, and he gets to be with a LOT of women who think he is awesome because he can really dance and not just hang onto them and sway! When I was in high school, one of my boyfriends was an accomplished ballroom dancer–that was sooo sexy to all of us girls!

How about study of religion, theology, philosophy, or some other “deep” subject? But be careful not to become so immersed in this that you never have time to do anything else.

Finally, how about getting a job or two? That’s what’s most impressive to young women–a young man who works hard and is successful in earning money.

I think that if you make these changes in your life, you will discover that you have stopped “feeding” your problems with immodesty, and you’ll learn how to control yourself whenever you are inadvertently exposed to a female who is dressed immodestly. AND…you’ll start attracting real-life females! So it’s a win-win for you. Highest level (or whatever they say nowadays.)

Godspeed to you!
 
Cat said:
I’m going to give you my perspective on your question. First, the issue isn’t immodestry in the media. The issue is, you’re a young man and young men are turned on by almost everything that suggests “female.” That’s the way God made you.
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While I’m not sure “immodesty” is a problem in illustrated media, sexualization of women certainly is. Drives me crazy sometimes. They’re not drawn like people a lot of times, but like objects. Because of that, I do think the OP’s complaint is valid.
Cat said:
I’m going to let you in on a secret about real-life females (all of us with small bosoms and flabby bellies and short limp mousy-brown hair and smallish eyes and no mutant powers!)–most of us aren’t impressed by men or boys who read comic books, play video games, and are into anime. Women, young and old, are looking for security–for a man who can provide for them and give them a pleasant life, a house, the basic necessities, and hopefully a few luxuries for themselves and their children.

We don’t see comic book guys/video game players as “good prospects” because these activities don’t generally lead to a productive life. We sense that if we marry a comic book guy, we will be doing our own house-painting, toilet repairs, and paying of bills, while our beloved lies on the sofa or sits in front of the computer all weekend.

Oh, I know–some guys claim that they are planning to design video games, and this truly is a lucrative career with potential for large income. But c’mon now–most guys never get around to designing a game, and if they do, they never market it, and if they do market it, it doesn’t sell.

Most women see “comic book guys” as “immature” or “Peter Pans” (never grew up). Sorry, buddy, but that’s the way it is. 😦

So my suggestion to you if you have any interest in real-life women (you said you will never be a monk!) is that you limit the time that you spend reading comic books and playing video games to a few hours a MONTH, and take up activities that are wholesome, productive, fun for you, and hopefully appealing to any women that you are trying to impress.

You don’t have to give it up entirely. We’re all need some time-wasting! I just spent a few hours doing CAF this Sunday morning, and in a few minutes, we’ll be attending a Peony Brunch–oh, brother! Sitting around eating too much and looking at peonies! Sigh.

But I don’t spend hours and hours every day doing CAF or attending brunches. This evening, I plan to spend several hours practicing the piano for an upcoming concert. And I would like to put in some time editing the novel that I’m trying to get to the publisher.

My point is–limit your time with comics and fantasy worlds.

How about sports? If you aren’t into team sports, how about a solo sport like running? Or biking? Or take up something that is related to your interest in comics and gaming, like martial arts or rock climbing.

How about arts? Learn to play an instrument and get involved with the musical community in your area. Or just start attending concerts at venues that feature the music styles that you like. Or even better–develop an interest in a music style that is not the “norm” for people your age; e.g., opera, or Acadian folk, or polka.

Or learn to dance. One of the young men that I know has taken up swing dancing, and he is really good at it, and he gets to be with a LOT of women who think he is awesome because he can really dance and not just hang onto them and sway! When I was in high school, one of my boyfriends was an accomplished ballroom dancer–that was sooo sexy to all of us girls!

How about study of religion, theology, philosophy, or some other “deep” subject? But be careful not to become so immersed in this that you never have time to do anything else.

Finally, how about getting a job or two? That’s what’s most impressive to young women–a young man who works hard and is successful in earning money.

I think that if you make these changes in your life, you will discover that you have stopped “feeding” your problems with immodesty, and you’ll learn how to control yourself whenever you are inadvertently exposed to a female who is dressed immodestly. AND…you’ll start attracting real-life females! So it’s a win-win for you. Highest level (or whatever they say nowadays.)

Godspeed to you!
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I do not understand how music, dance, and sports are any more useful than reading comic books and watching anime. I think they’re all nice activities, but I don’t see how any of them are particularly “useful” in the sense that they’ll provide for a family. 🤷

Getting a job makes sense, of course, but the other things aren’t much more likely to earn you money than being a hardcore otaku. They’re good things to do, that can bring people joy and a deeper appreciation for the world around them, but they’re not going to put food on the table unless one does them excellently.

I’m pretty sure there are many women in the world who like anime, video games, and comics. Won’t those women want to be with someone who they share some common interests with?

I’m not really disagreeing with your key point, I don’t think- I do think we all need to learn useful skills. I just don’t see why abilities in music, dancing, and sports are necessarily more desirable than the ability to, say, draw comics, play games, and write stories.

I suppose the important thing is that you are an active participant in your chosen field. You don’t just listen to music, you play it. You don’t just watch sports, you play them. You don’t just read books, you write. You don’t just read comics, you draw. You don’t just watch anime, you start learning japanese, or drawing, or writing. You use your passions, whatever they may be, to gain skills and improve yourself.

Does that sound right? :ehh:
 
Kamaduck said:
I dunno, to me it seems like they take all kinds of animation more seriously in Japan. That’s why fanservice is so disgustingly common in anime- because the creators know that it can still affect people. If anything, westerners are the ones who seem to think drawn or animated nudity is “not real” and therefore doesn’t count. Which is a pretty silly and harmful mentality, of course.

Agree.
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As someone who learned directly from a Japanese person, Western morality is not exactly their morality. Animation in Japan is far more broad in terms of subject matter than what is produced in the West. And the quality of the art is often incredible. I’ve got quite a few Japanese anime art books and magazines. Too bad the West can’t emulate the craftsmanship in Japanese animation artwork. However, the stories range from great to ‘what’s the point’?

Anyway, I got tired of Japanese anime in the early 90s when they were doing more ‘here’s something like Gundam but not Gundam,’ and they’re up to what? 100 different Gundam types? I’m talking about the Gundam, not all the others.

Peace,
Ed
 
Cat said:
I’m a 56-year old woman, mother of two grown daughters.

My husband reads comic books (X Men and other classic titles). He spends a few hours a month with this hobby. That’s fine with me. We both really enjoy visiting the “comic book guy” in our city, who is an older man and an expert on comic books both classic and modern.

I’m going to give you my perspective on your question. First, the issue isn’t immodestry in the media. The issue is, you’re a young man and young men are turned on by almost everything that suggests “female.” That’s the way God made you.

You’ll grow out of it and learn to control yourself if you don’t “feed” it. If you keep “feeding it,” you’ll want more and more stimulation. The comic book or game that once turned you on won’t turn you on anymore, and you’ll seek out comic books and games with even sexier females, and eventually…well, my advice is, don’t feed it. Set a time limit on much time each week you will allow yourself to spend on comic books, video games, anime, and even television, and then stick with that limit.

And that brings up my second point. Hobbies and recreational activities and relaxation are all fine–in moderation. But how much time…be honest now…do you spend on comic books, anime, and video games?

IMO, how you spend your time is the issue here, not your sexual conflicts over the scantily-clad, large-bosomed comic book goddesses. The issue is that all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable for you. (I Corinthians 10:23-24).

So my suggestion to you if you have any interest in real-life women (you said you will never be a monk!) is that you limit the time that you spend reading comic books and playing video games to a few hours a MONTH, and take up activities that are wholesome, productive, fun for you, and hopefully appealing to any women that you are trying to impress.

You don’t have to give it up entirely. We’re all need some time-wasting! I just spent a few hours doing CAF this Sunday morning, and in a few minutes, we’ll be attending a Peony Brunch–oh, brother! Sitting around eating too much and looking at peonies! Sigh.

But I don’t spend hours and hours every day doing CAF or attending brunches. This evening, I plan to spend several hours practicing the piano for an upcoming concert. And I would like to put in some time editing the novel that I’m trying to get to the publisher.

My point is–limit your time with comics and fantasy worlds.

How about sports? If you aren’t into team sports, how about a solo sport like running? Or biking? Or take up something that is related to your interest in comics and gaming, like martial arts or rock climbing.

How about arts? Learn to play an instrument and get involved with the musical community in your area. Or just start attending concerts at venues that feature the music styles that you like. Or even better–develop an interest in a music style that is not the “norm” for people your age; e.g., opera, or Acadian folk, or polka.

Or learn to dance. One of the young men that I know has taken up swing dancing, and he is really good at it, and he gets to be with a LOT of women who think he is awesome because he can really dance and not just hang onto them and sway! When I was in high school, one of my boyfriends was an accomplished ballroom dancer–that was sooo sexy to all of us girls!

How about study of religion, theology, philosophy, or some other “deep” subject? But be careful not to become so immersed in this that you never have time to do anything else.

Finally, how about getting a job or two? That’s what’s most impressive to young women–a young man who works hard and is successful in earning money.

I think that if you make these changes in your life, you will discover that you have stopped “feeding” your problems with immodesty, and you’ll learn how to control yourself whenever you are inadvertently exposed to a female who is dressed immodestly. AND…you’ll start attracting real-life females! So it’s a win-win for you. Highest level (or whatever they say nowadays.)

Godspeed to you!
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I’m like your husband, except I read the pre-1970 classic comics only. There were a few I bought until around 1983 or 1985 but it ended because I could see what was coming. I lived through the gradual degradation of modesty in the media through the 70s and 80s and 90s, by which time I decided it was time to bail. NYPD Blue - seriously? “Warning. This program contains scenes of partial nudity.” I am a professional fiction editor and published writer. No way did seeing bare female butts add to the story. In the 90s, immodesty in the media, including the radio, feel off the cliff.

I know what women want. It’s not rocket science. I know what all the stay at home moms I grew up with needed and wanted. Helthy kids, a home, a good husband - note: I’m not saying perfect since no one is - some nice things, and SAVING for a special trip and something that you know you’ll be needing. Nobody in my neighborhood and in neighborhoods for miles around had a credit card. To this day, I put real cash aside, just like I was taught. I’m not paying anyone interest if I don’t have to.

And guess what? Me and my boss still have our comic book collections and write stories about superheroes, aliens, strange creatures and the rest. In a sense, we will never grow up. Again, I got it that women looked at me weird when they found out I wasn’t into sports or most “average guy” kind of things. My friend made great money, raised two kids, and picked up some nice things along the way. It didn’t change him though.

So, everything is out, except for Catholic related or stuff suitable for kids. Or the bulk of things published prior to 1970, except for the “adults only” stuff.

Peace,
Ed
 
edwest2 said:
As someone who learned directly from a Japanese person, Western morality is not exactly their morality. Animation in Japan is far more broad in terms of subject matter than what is produced in the West. And the quality of the art is often incredible. I’ve got quite a few Japanese anime art books and magazines. Too bad the West can’t emulate the craftsmanship in Japanese animation artwork. However, the stories range from great to ‘what’s the point’?

Anyway, I got tired of Japanese anime in the early 90s when they were doing more ‘here’s something like Gundam but not Gundam,’ and they’re up to what? 100 different Gundam types? I’m talking about the Gundam, not all the others.
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I’ve never seen Gundam. Giant robots aren’t really my thing. I’m into a mix of different genres, from shojo romances to shonen fighters to fantasy and science fiction. Some is spectacular, and some is awful. I could say the same of books, though. I’d say worse of movies, since there aren’t very many spectacular ones coming out these days. The point is, anime is a medium where both awful and wonderful stories abound. You just have to aim to see the wonderful ones.

I realize that Japanese culture is very different from what we expect in America, and I know it has its own problems. In some ways, though, it’s refreshing. They seem to take family ties much more seriously, for instance. I think most cultures have good and bad sides. 🤷
 
Kamaduck said:
While I’m not sure “immodesty” is a problem in illustrated media, sexualization of women certainly is. Drives me crazy sometimes. They’re not drawn like people a lot of times, but like objects. Because of that, I do think the OP’s complaint is valid.

I do not understand how music, dance, and sports are any more useful than reading comic books and watching anime. I think they’re all nice activities, but I don’t see how any of them are particularly “useful” in the sense that they’ll provide for a family. 🤷

Getting a job makes sense, of course, but the other things aren’t much more likely to earn you money than being a hardcore otaku. They’re good things to do, that can bring people joy and a deeper appreciation for the world around them, but they’re not going to put food on the table unless one does them excellently.

I’m pretty sure there are many women in the world who like anime, video games, and comics. Won’t those women want to be with someone who they share some common interests with?

I’m not really disagreeing with your key point, I don’t think- I do think we all need to learn useful skills. I just don’t see why abilities in music, dancing, and sports are necessarily more desirable than the ability to, say, draw comics, play games, and write stories.

I suppose the important thing is that you are an active participant in your chosen field. You don’t just listen to music, you play it. You don’t just watch sports, you play them. You don’t just read books, you write. You don’t just read comics, you draw. You don’t just watch anime, you start learning japanese, or drawing, or writing. You use your passions, whatever they may be, to gain skills and improve yourself.

Does that sound right? :ehh:
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Question for you. List some skills that you gain from reading comic books, playing video games, and anime, and also list some ways that these activities help you to improve yourself.

I will be honest with you. I don’t believe that most people who read comics actually DRAW comics, too. I’m sure some kids and adults give it a try, but don’t actually stick with it and don’t actually sell any of it, or even show any of it to anyone other than their closest friends. And I don’t believe most people who watch anime actually learn Japanese, or draw, or write. I’m sure some do, but most don’t.

I see nothing wrong with listening to music rather than playing it, or watching sports rather than playing them.

My daughter makes a good living in theater. She provides for herself and if she were married, her income would help provide for a family. She has insurance, too.

My other daughter works in a hospital, but coaches figure skating part-time. She brought home $8000.00 from her coaching last year, a nice supplement to her full-time job.

And I made $1200.00 this month playing the piano. It’s not my full-time job; I work in a hospital lab. But the $1200.00 is nice to have.

And along with the money, I had the privilege of working with and getting to know:
  1. 12 older gentlemen whose choir has been around for 90 years
  2. 15 women from all races, sexual orientations, religions, income levels, and countries
  3. 6 talented college students
  4. 100 talented and dream-filled high students
  5. two professional tenors
  6. one elder gentlemen who sings professionally
  7. an Italian parish
It is much more likely that you will turn sports or arts into an income-producing job than turning comic books and video games into an income-producing job.

As I said in the other post, a lot of kids hope to draw comic books or design video games and actually SELL these products, but most never get around it. Many don’t have the social skills necessary to pitch their product and close a sale.

Sports and arts are physical activities that demand ACTIVE participation and burn calories. Using a joy stick or a mouse to play a computer game is not active in the same way that dribbling a basketball or playing a violin is active.

And sports and arts are also social activities, bringing you into contact with others in real life, not just online.

Seriously now, what do you think will be more impressive on a college or job application?-
Interests and Hobbies: Member City Running Club, participant in many 25K races for various charities, Member Community Choir, which toured the Midwest last year and gave concerts to raise funds for children’s charities

or
Interest and Hobbies: Reading comic books, playing video games, anime.
 
You’re right, most people who would like to write, draw, and draw comics professionally, won’t for whatever reason. I still encourage people to try. There are a few places on the internet where people show off their creations, starting with someone who can barely handle a crayon up to Hollywood pros. Sure, it’s a gamble, but like a teacher friend of mine in the Detroit school system said when I asked him what most of the kids (6th grade or 7th?) dream of doing, he said most of them think they’ll become professional athletes. Since I know people at Marvel and DC, and I know a lot of artists who work for my company, you can do it if you plan and work hard. But I totally understand those who decide to do something else.

Peace,
Ed
 
Cat,

I’ve tried to reply to your post in several different ways, but I end up just deleting my post and trying again because I have not been able to determine the purpose of your argument with any precision.

Are we comparing reading with playing music and sports?
Or is it reading PLUS writing vs. playing music and sports?
Or game design plus reading vs. playing music and sports?
Passive hobbies in general vs. more active hobbies?
Something else?

Whatever the case may be, it sounds like your primary concern here is about economic efficiency, but other people have different value systems. Some of us are trying to earn extra cash with our hobbies, others might not be. There’s more to life than money. 👍

(BTW, both Ed and I have earned money as writers. ;))
 
OP, you need a dutch uncle-style talk. dude, women aren’t interested in how well you can defend the castle against flying sporks, that’s something that only boys are in to. if you want to defend the castle, join the Navy. if you don’t want to do that, close the comic books and do something that give some indicia of future life success – play sports (even soccer, yes, even soccer) or any hobby that lets you interact with people as people, instead of wading in adolescent fantasies.

ProTips: that tomb raider chick, laura kraft? women aren’t like that in the real world. and those fake geek girls at anime conventions? . guess what.
 
Cat said:
Question for you. List some skills that you gain from reading comic books, playing video games, and anime, and also list some ways that these activities help you to improve yourself.

I will be honest with you. I don’t believe that most people who read comics actually DRAW comics, too. I’m sure some kids and adults give it a try, but don’t actually stick with it and don’t actually sell any of it, or even show any of it to anyone other than their closest friends. And I don’t believe most people who watch anime actually learn Japanese, or draw, or write. I’m sure some do, but most don’t.

I see nothing wrong with listening to music rather than playing it, or watching sports rather than playing them.

My daughter makes a good living in theater. She provides for herself and if she were married, her income would help provide for a family. She has insurance, too.

My other daughter works in a hospital, but coaches figure skating part-time. She brought home $8000.00 from her coaching last year, a nice supplement to her full-time job.

And I made $1200.00 this month playing the piano. It’s not my full-time job; I work in a hospital lab. But the $1200.00 is nice to have.

And along with the money, I had the privilege of working with and getting to know:
  1. 12 older gentlemen whose choir has been around for 90 years
  2. 15 women from all races, sexual orientations, religions, income levels, and countries
  3. 6 talented college students
  4. 100 talented and dream-filled high students
  5. two professional tenors
  6. one elder gentlemen who sings professionally
  7. an Italian parish
It is much more likely that you will turn sports or arts into an income-producing job than turning comic books and video games into an income-producing job.

As I said in the other post, a lot of kids hope to draw comic books or design video games and actually SELL these products, but most never get around it. Many don’t have the social skills necessary to pitch their product and close a sale.

Sports and arts are physical activities that demand ACTIVE participation and burn calories. Using a joy stick or a mouse to play a computer game is not active in the same way that dribbling a basketball or playing a violin is active.

And sports and arts are also social activities, bringing you into contact with others in real life, not just online.

Seriously now, what do you think will be more impressive on a college or job application?-
Interests and Hobbies: Member City Running Club, participant in many 25K races for various charities, Member Community Choir, which toured the Midwest last year and gave concerts to raise funds for children’s charities

or
Interest and Hobbies: Reading comic books, playing video games, anime.
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I admit I’m just a teenager, so I don’t have the life experience to back me up on what’s useful. I like to write. I like to draw, even though I’m not very good. I like to study Japanese, although, again, I’m not very good. But I’m much better at those things than I am at playing violin. I’m OK at figure skating (my chosen sport, as well), but it’s not the same; I don’t have the same level of passion for it, so I’m not competitive.

The teenagers I hang out with like to draw and write. I’m the only one who studies Japanese, but one of my friends has decided to learn the basics of Russian after watching Axis Powers Hetalia. One of my guy friends makes his own flash games. They’re awful, like most of what I write, but it’s OK because we’re just starting out. We don’t expect to make any money at all of this cool stuff, but it’s fun and we all like doing it together. Most of us are going to go into science, and I’m hoping to write and publish some science fiction once my writing improves a little (or a lot).

I guess I don’t see why such hobbies can’t be just as legitimate as sports and music. Neither one is really more useful than drawing or writing or learning languages or making games. There’s nothing wrong, of course, with just enjoying what other people create, but that isn’t what we do. We create our own stuff. It’s not very good yet, but it’s what we enjoy doing, and I do think we are developing some useful skills.

It’s not like these activities can’t be social, either. We pass our writing around and tear it apart. We play games together. We make stories together. I just don’t see why it’s any less respectable than kids wanting to play soccer or football together. There’s obviously nothing wrong with that, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with what we do, either. 🤷

They’re also not the only things I do, although most of the other stuff is teams and volunteer work through my JROTC battalion. I’m also in drama. I’m just not into sports and music. Those are not my gifts. If I can make enough money to support myself, my family, and my creativity, I will be happy in that respect. And if/when I look for a potential husband, I will look for someone who enjoys being similarly creative, preferably using mediums that I find interesting- and that includes video games, comics, and anime. 🤷
Fairwinds said:
OP, you need a dutch uncle-style talk. dude, women aren’t interested in how well you can defend the castle against flying sporks, that’s something that only boys are in to.
Click to expand...
You must not know the same people I do. 😛
 
Fairwinds said:
OP, you need a dutch uncle-style talk. dude, women aren’t interested in how well you can defend the castle against flying sporks, that’s something that only boys are in to. if you want to defend the castle, join the Navy. if you don’t want to do that, close the comic books and do something that give some indicia of future life success – play sports (even soccer, yes, even soccer) or any hobby that lets you interact with people as people, instead of wading in adolescent fantasies.

ProTips: that tomb raider chick, laura kraft? women aren’t like that in the real world. and those fake geek girls at anime conventions? . guess what.
Click to expand...
I don’t know about that. Having geeky hobbies may be correlated with social awkwardness, but I know plenty of perfectly well adjusted guys with girlfriends who enjoy them.

Also, if you joined the Navy, you might die. And adolescent fantasies are fun. They may be lame, but I’m okay with that. I’d probably be pretty lame no matter what I tried.

I do agree about socialization though - I would not do those things if I didn’t have people to talk about them with afterward.
 
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