Post by ShayMay on Dec 13, 2011 22:09:16 GMT
Gaming is childish, inherently so. This is not really intended to be a negative point - it's just that all games, no matter how complex or "adult" they are, will invariably be something you play with, and the very act of "playing" itself has childish connotations. This is not something that's meant to detract from one's enjoyment or respect for videogames, just to recognise them for what they are.
It may be that "playtime" has always been "time to entertain myself", but I don't feel that playing has any sort of childish connotations. Playing cards, playing sports, etc. are not seen as childish, and while the level of escapism is reminiscent of the childish make-believe ("I'm Superman!" "But I wanted to be Superman!"), I always took games as an interactive alternative to movies or plays. I can't really say I've ever honestly made a connection between gaming and being childish (with the obvious exception of when I'm playing a game for kids). As with you, I don't use childish as any sort of put-down, and I wouldn't be ashamed if I had felt a connection between the two, but it's simply something that has never existed for me.
Cartoons weren't even originally for kids, but that's the connotation/stigma they carry, and the association that's always made. It's necessary to recognise and accept this or you'll be arguing the toss 'til kingdom come.
I accept that this is an association, but it's one that I disagree with. If that means I'll be arguing the toss, then hey, it's not been the first time: I feel that it's unfair to categorise cartoons as a children's medium, not because it's indicative of quality, but because it limits what can be done with the medium. I don't feel that cartoons in particular should be barred from taking alleys that other media are able to take simply because of how they're viewed by people who (generally) have never really given them a chance.
Still, I see exactly where you're coming from.