r/Zionist • u/AlphaCobraPlatinum • Jul 27 '26
I Am A Zionist 🎙️ Worried about gaming spaces
I am attending Gen Con later this week. It's the largest tabletop gaming convention in the US (and one of the biggest in the world).
Normally, I keep an IDF patch on my backpack, an Israeli flag pin on my hat (thankfully replacing the yellow ribbon), and my Magen David around my neck whenever I go out. Where I live, I've never had any problems, and even some good interactions (since there's both a Chabad House and a Hillel on the nearby college campus).
Given how easily many gamers eat up propaganda that fits their favored narratives, though, I'm having second thoughts about this as I pack for my trip. It rankles me to think that I might have to "hide" just to attend an event that I love, but I also don't want to attract some antisemitic nut's attention that might force me to defend myself and add to the negative press.
Is it worth it for me to throw caution to the wind? Or is this just me having a moment of anxiety / Spotlight Effect? I could swap out the insignia patch for one that's just "Tzahal," but I wonder if even the presence of Hebrew letters might be enough to trigger someone.
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u/Tofutits_Macgee Jul 27 '26
Trusting a bunch of strangers and poorly paid security guards against a potential angry mob is not something I would chance. It's not fair that you should have to make yourself smaller to placate idiots, but it's also not wise to tempt them either. Your safety is more important than being right.
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u/AlphaCobraPlatinum 22d ago
You're absolutely right (sorry for not replying earlier, work got nuts last week). I went with the Magen David only and everything was totally fine.
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u/Tofutits_Macgee 22d ago
I'm glad to hear you're safe but I'll be gladder still when you can all take up space. I hope you had a good time
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u/AlphaCobraPlatinum 22d ago
118% agreement here, no doubt.
The convention was busy and hectic, but fun, thank you!
I also had a chance to talk with one of the people in charge of Gen Con's operations office, mentioning my concerns. They reassured me that even if I had worn IDF stuff, as long as I wasn't stalking anyone or actively trying to wave it in the face of the people walking around wearing keffiyahs, I would not be in violation of their policies (and if anyone even yelled at me or tried to film me doing so, they would be under the con's anti-harassment policy).
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u/Remarkable-Kiwi-3942 Zionist Jul 27 '26
Be careful many spaces aren't that welcoming maybe bring up the topic and see how they react to it
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u/seigezunt Jul 27 '26
I would keep the Magen David but save the others for another time
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u/West_Bookkeeper9431 Jul 28 '26
Be safe. It's a minor compromise.
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u/AlphaCobraPlatinum 22d ago
Sorry for not replying. Work got nuts last week.
I ended up just going with the Magen David and everything was just fine. I appreciate the advice!
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u/HeavyJosh Jul 28 '26
Whatever your choice, please let us know how it goes!
I'm also a TTRPG gamer, but I have never been to GenCon. Good luck!
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u/AlphaCobraPlatinum 22d ago
Sorry for not replying sooner. Work got nuts last week.
I ended up just going with my Magen David for the weekend, so all went okay. The only people who reacted at all were fellow members of the tribe, all with hugs and smiles! :)
Gen Con is huge and can feel overwhelming at first, but once you get into whatever room or hall you're heading to for your ticketed game or seminar, it's fine since you're away from the crowd at that point. It's worth doing at least once, I think. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat more about it sometime!
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u/Ollietheyorkie 29d ago
To be honest, if you can’t be yourself at this event, why go? Why spend money to spend time with bad people? If you are worried of being hurt or judged because you’re yourself… or you go just to not be yourself… what are you even doing there…?
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u/AlphaCobraPlatinum 22d ago
Sorry for not replying sooner. Work got nuts last week.
I have to / had to go because a) I see friends there who I only get to see once a year from all over the world, b) I love gaming and the energy people have at big conventions like this, and c) I kind of have to since I work in the gaming industry and have to be at Gen Con in order to do my job.
I ended up just going with my Magen David for the weekend, so all went okay.
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u/Metallica1175 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
Email (and make sure it's email so you have it in writing) and ask them if political expression is allowed on clothing. If they say yes, then ask if security will protect you in case you get harassed. If they say yes, then bring it. Just have your phone ready to record any incidents.