My Fave Online Pog Reviewer Is Racist And Now I Ran Out Of Hobbies

I’m honestly at the end of my rope. I thought it would be relatively easy to avoid the problematic and toxic corners of online nerd culture. I mean, how hard could it be? But the day I have dreaded has finally come: I found out my favorite online Pog reviewer is racist and there is simply nothing left. I have no more hobbies untouched by online far-right recruiting and bigoted vice signaling.

An Online Reviewer is Racist? No way!

Typically, these kinds of attitudes have mostly found prominence among video game and comic book fandoms. However, their influence has trickled down to even the most niche corners of nerd culture. Street Sharks? Starriors? Crystar the Crystal Warrior? Popples? Unfortunately, not one of those fandoms is free from the clutches of the alt-right. Not even novelty historical mug collectors.

And I get it. Controversial narratives drive engagement. Online ad revenue algorithms are labyrinthine and I’m sure it’s much easier to say the n-word than actually curate solid content. It’s just unnerving to hear an 80-year-old grandmother recite the 14 words in the middle of talking about Precious Moments figurines. Plus, there is just no reason for a YouTuber to be wearing a Nazi uniform while explaining the value of a VHS tape full of ’80s toy commercials. I feel like I am going crazy.

What is Even Left?

I just want a place where I can go to talk about my weird pop culture obsessions without being called a homophobic slur. I don’t understand why that is so difficult. Does a combination Micronauts/Proud Boy website really draw in that much money? I guess it must. All I know for sure is that I’m going to have to find some new hobbies. Maybe rock climbing. Do racists also love rock climbing? Please give me the heads up if so, because I can’t go through this again.

Images: Pixabay, Eric Steuer/Flickr, Alex Cheek/Flickr