It’s 2025 and many people are making New Years Resolutions. To kick off the year, Dallas is offering a specific New Years resolution for Gamers, Weebs, Cosplayers, and all other geeky communities…

Blog

As we step into 2025, resolutions are in full swing. Some are committing to fitness, others to creative pursuits, and, let’s be honest, a few have already given up on their goals (tacos are hard to resist!). But today, I want to propose a resolution that goes beyond individual goals—a collective resolution for the geek community: Be kind.

---

The Changing Landscape of Geek Culture

The geek community has grown a ton over the years. What was once a niche corner of society has blossomed into a widespread, celebrated culture. The rise of the MCU, the popularity of anime on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, and the explosion of gaming communities have brought an influx of new fans into our world. This growth is beautiful, but it’s also brought challenges—a lack of kindness.

If you’ve spent more than 10 minutes online, you’ve likely encountered drama in geek spaces. Gatekeeping, toxic behavior, and attacks on creators have become far too common. These behaviors don’t just hurt individuals; they hurt the entire community.

---

The Problem with Gatekeeping and Cruelty

Gatekeeping is a significant issue. This behavior creates barriers, whether it’s someone saying, “You’re not a real anime fan,” or dismissing newcomers for not knowing every detail about a fandom. It discourages new fans from engaging and makes the community feel exclusive rather than inclusive.

On the other hand, some fans take their frustrations out on creators and voice actors. Criticizing creative decisions is one thing, but personal attacks cross the line. For many of us, geek culture was a safe haven growing up—a place to escape bullying and find joy. It’s heartbreaking to see this same space become toxic for others.

---

Why Kindness Matters

Proverbs 11:17 says, “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” This wisdom applies perfectly to our situation. Kindness not only benefits others but also enriches our own lives and communities. It fosters growth, joy, and creativity. Cruelty, on the other hand, drives people away—fans, creators, and even ourselves.

---

A Call to Action

So, what can we do? Let’s commit to being kind in every geek space we occupy. Whether you’re into anime, video games, comics, cosplay, or tabletop games, make an effort to:

• Welcome Newcomers: Share your knowledge without judgment. Help others discover the joy you’ve found in your fandoms.
• Support Creators: Appreciate the hard work that goes into the content you love. Offer constructive criticism, not personal attacks.
• Foster Community: Encourage inclusivity and positivity. Create spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.

---

The Benefits of Kindness

Kindness has a ripple effect. When we uplift others, we’re also uplifting ourselves. We’re creating a culture where creativity thrives and where people feel inspired to share their passions. And who knows? By engaging with new fans, we might even discover new perspectives and insights into the things we already love.

---

Let’s Make 2025 the Year of Kindness

This resolution isn’t just about improving geek communities; it’s about improving ourselves. Kindness isn’t a one-time act but a consistent effort to be better. It’s about choosing to lift others up instead of tearing them down.

So, as we journey through 2025, let’s make kindness our mission. Together, we can create a geek community that’s welcoming, joyful, and inspiring for everyone. Let’s be the reason someone falls in love with a fandom, not the reason they walk away.

Happy New Year, geeks. Let’s make it a great one.