I remember telling a fellow S. Carolinian "Yeah, I enjoy playing video games," and his scowling response was something like "well, you're throwing all that money down the toilet that could have been better served to feed a family, help the poor, or do some good for the environment! You're a captive of greed!"

"Huh??" was my response. Yeah, I knew that videogames might seem frivolous to some, but was I really spending that much cash? Am I not allowed some minor fun? Yeah, I know, even a dollar donated somewhere can do some good, but why was videogaming singled out as a cash devourer????

Then I realized that, at the time, "video games" to the average South Carolinian meant "gambling machines," i.e. video poker machines. On just about every corner was a "casino" that advertised "VIDEO GAMES" on it's billboard. Every gas station too.... "BEER, CIGARETTES, & VIDEO GAMES" in bold letters on their signs. They weren't advertising "Pac Man," I can assure you.

To this day, a large number of South Carolinians equate "video games" with "gambing," even though "video" gambling has been outlawed. (They still have the Lottery, though.)

qoj hpmoj o+ 6uo73q 3Jv 3svq jnoh 77V