The article discusses the darker side of various hobbies, highlighting how certain pastimes can attract negative personalities. It emphasizes the toxic environments found in communities related to car collecting, bird watching, and poker, where enthusiasts might encounter unwelcoming behaviors. People involved in these activities showcase elitism, disdain for newcomers, or a focus on status rather than the passion of the hobby itself. The writer also encourages readers to share their own experiences with hobbies that might exhibit similar unpleasant vibes.
Generally the car scene is very toxic. The low-class, street takeover crowd is full of degenerates. The high-class, exotic collectors are often pompous douchebags. Even in the middle, you get the worst of both worlds. It's not all bad, but it's definitely easy to come across pricks.
Bird watching. My dad was a birder, and he got me interested because we both love the outdoors and nature. But the stereotypes about middle-aged guys in cargo shorts with gadgets hanging off, big lenses, stupid hats, and snotty attitudes are pretty much the case. Half of them are more about their gear than the birds, and they love to crap on those who are 'obviously just tourists,' as if they're going to offend the birds by asking what their genus is.
Poker. Not once have I entered a card room and not seen, heard, or interacted with some form of degenerate scum. Great game though.
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