Something that has been pressing on my mind with immense force lately is hobby shaming.

Perhaps the countless occurrences of being pop-quizzed and interrogated because somebody doubts that I like something has caused me to address this matter.

I’m honestly not sure when this came about but I’ve noticed that as of late, people can’t walk into school sporting something that they hold interest in, such as a Nirvana shirt, without being bombarded with negativity.

“Do you actually listen to them? Name five songs. What was the release date of their first album?”

I believe that people should be able to love whatever they want without being judged or labeled as a fake fan.

Everyone enters a stage of interest at some point. Just because they weren’t watching the Star Wars series as an infant does not mean that they are not allowed to be considered a fan of Star Wars.

Instead of embracing people that enter the community and discussing things in a civil manner, I have witnessed several accounts where people are bitter towards incomers and brand them as posers.

There is not a universal definition that allows someone to be considered a true fan. People should not have to prove themselves worthy of liking the same stuff as someone else.

Gender is an obvious factor that seems to provoke doubt and questioning.

I know from personal experience that I have been doubted on whether or not I read comics or watch football, and when I ask why I’m being questioned the usual response is, “because you’re a girl. Girls aren’t supposed to like that stuff.”

Some seem to believe that if you stray from traditional views, such as boys playing video games and girls playing Barbie dolls, then you are obviously faking for attention.

Society is not supposed to be filled with cookie cutter ideas of what a person should act like or be interested in. Everybody is different. Until people realize that this there is no “normal” the world will continue to force shame upon those who really don’t deserve it.