Simplicity and innocence.

I spend most of my time arguing politics or opinions with people, especially being a very conservative state. As a child, you liked what you liked and no one gave a damn about it, it was pretty simple. If you like Pokemon, you liked Pokemon. If you liked Seinfeld, you liked Seinfeld. If you didn't like Power Rangers, you didn't like Power Rangers and no one cared.

As we age, we gain this thing we call a reputation. If you do something or like something that people see as wrong or someone else doesn't like it, you're called out for it. Life becomes, as a close friend puts it, a big dick waving contest. "Ha! You like this and that! You're such a loser!" People feel the need to push their own opinions on others to give them the sense that they are superior. It's insulting to children to even call this a childish act. It's an act of someone in middle school, the epitome of self-absorption in the life of a child. It's even more disheartening to see adults do this. Joking is fine and all, but sometimes you actually find people that are so intent on making you look wrong that you can't help but want to punch this person in the bloody face.

You are your own person, your opinion is most important to you and only you. As a child, it was I like Power Rangers, but he doesn't. Then you got over it. As an adult, it's I like Obama, he likes McCain. Here's why you're an incredible idiot. Or in the instance of vidyagamez.com, it's "The PS3 is better than the 360, if you disagree you're a faggot." This is not a fact, this is an opinion. So what if I disagree? I don't care. If you like the PS3 go right on ahead, but I'll still enjoy my 360. It's amazing how many people try to bait me with this, when they know I'm the one trying to be the neutral party that likes all consoles. I try to respect people's opinions as much as possible, but it becomes like a calm dog just looking at another dog ready to attack. It shames me as a gamer and as a person.

How do I make up for it as an adult? I simply say "I respect your opinion" and move on. I'm not going to care. I'll be an adult and like Obama, the 360, anime, and Robert Downey Jr movies all I want. And if you don't like those things, good for you.