Public Opinion of Paintball

[dawump]

I'm writing an article on how the general publics opinion of ( and judgements about ) paintball affects the sport.

What do you think? I'm interested in hearing your perception of the misconceptions people have, and any negative experiences you've had because of peoples ignorance.

Also, the real bottom line in your opinion. People judge stuff they don't know about, but does that really matter? Would it really make any difference to field owners and players if the public knew what we were about?

Thanks

Keith

[Monsta]

You gotta have a job to play paintball!

[FooTemps]

The public opinion affects me when it comes to paintball. My mom is part of the general public that dislikes paintball. She doesn't know one thing about paintball and she has judged that paintball guns can kill people, paintball trains people to kill, and paintball is a ripoff(this part i can understand). She won't let me join a team right now but she lets me play at the field every once and a while.
Yeah, any tips on convincing her paintball isn't bad? I can't think of any more mature or immature ways to convince her.

[Major Ho]

Well I have a close friend who doesnt seem to agree with my playing. A big group of us had a semi heated discussion a lil while after the Columbine incident happened. Paintball apparently(according to her) is a form of practice. Almost militia like to her. Those kids at columbine could not have done what they did w/o some form of practice, ie violent video games. Lazer tag, Paintball is all interrelated to her. I asked her if lazer tag was a violent activity and she said yes with no hesitation. So I dont see how I could change someones perception on things if one of the most basic games is considered violent. I also tried to bring up the point that paintball was merely glorfied tag and capture the flag to no avail.
Then again she believes her future child will never have to or never will touch a gun or toy gun for that matter. My mother did the EXACT same thing. Coming from a war torn country and despising war and violence she didnt want me playing with any such thing. Look at me now. I support the military, a fan of pistols, rifles and such(they DO look pretty) and play paintball religiously. Some ppl will not be changed or open up their minds to suggestion. Im sure im missing a few points but enh... its sorta late

[FooTemps]

My parents are against paintball but they bought me nerf and laser tag guns. It's sorta weird but they say paintball shots can break bones and crap. It just shows how ignorant some people are. I'm trying to sell off all my laser tag guns and nerf guns now to buy a paintball marker.
I know that my kids will play with toy guns or use real guns someday in their lives. That is an inevitable fact but some people are in denial about that.

[Monsta]

If my mom said something like that I would just ask her "Would you approve of me Joining the Military?"