Episode 32 – Gamer Shame

Summary: The time has finally come!  Geeks, Nerds, and Dorks of the world unite!  We can finally be acknowledged as legitimately cool, hip, contributing members of society.  Comic books?  Right on.  Video Games?  Who doesn't play them!?!  fantasy novels?  If you aren't reading them, you're a L-O-S-E-R.  Tabletop RPGs?  Ummm.... err... ::snicker, snicker::  Uh, the socially awkward, no-friend perma-virgins sit over there... weirdo!  Join us this week as we discuss the topic of "Gamer Shame", where we break down and discuss what roleplaying is, the continuing stigma against it, and our impressions on the process of "coming out of the basement."  Cinch up your dice bag, update your character sheet, and don't forget the Mountain Dew as you listen to this week's brand new episode of Monkey in the Cage. (01:31) - Ramses are done reads stuffs and talks the Englisht (yes, with a t)? - The Hunger Games, Johnathan Mayberry's Assassin's Code, and dinosaur blue light specials! (04:47) - Robert hangs out with The David, we talk pirates and peg-legs, plus, Robert's video game rage. - The Maxies, The Phenomenauts, Legend of Grimrock, Mass Effect 2, and Diablo 3. (09:27) - We discuss Matt's "hating" of The Goonies and he attempts to derail the anger with some geek news. - 38 Studios, Red Faction Guerilla, SpaceX. (15:37) - Karen does her Demi Moore impression as we talk about Dan Harmon's firing from Community, we discuss Matt's hate mail from Batman, and give some shout outs to our awesome listeners! (25:53) - It's topic time.  We kick it off by discussing the term "Gamer Shame" and explain what tabletop roleplaying is to those unfamiliar with the hobby.  We're dispelling stereotypes and opening peoples minds like an 8th level Lawful Good Wizard... (30:21) - Why, despite geek culture being in the forefront of media and culture, does tabletop still have a stigma?  We blame devil worshiping cultists and/or the religious right, Challenge Rating 5. (34:39) - For those of you who have no idea WHAT tabletop roleplaying is all about, this segment is for you.  Collaborative storytelling, open-world gaming, and the personal gaming experience.  Pay attention, take notes, and let go of your (sexual) inhibitions?? (38:15) - Ramses leads the discussion on the relationship between tabletop roleplaying and accessing your personal creativity, unless you're Robert... (40:39) - We discuss our personal dealings with "Gamer Shame."  Matt pulls a bait and switch, Robert owns it, Karen smites it down at work, and Ramses activates his Ring of Blinking to keep people guessing.  Rule of thumb - test the waters. (46:30) - We discuss the judgemental attitude of others against roleplayers, from high school and beyond.  Plus, the greatest gaming commercial ever,  Ramses mentally LARPs at work and Robert reflects on his EverQuest days. (50:21) - We proffer our other-worldly advice on how to broach the topic of tabletop roleplaying to your family and friends that have misconceptions about your "alternative lifestyle."  We are talking about gaming here, we swear. (54:04) - Robert talks about being viewed as a "Neckbeard," we discuss computer illiteracy and ignorance, and Matt and Robert broke their womenfolk. Closing Song - I'm the One That's Cool - written by Felicia Day and Jed Whedon, performed by The Guild . . . . .