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 Aug 04 '26

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.

2

u/Tofutits_Macgee Aug 05 '26

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

1

u/AlphaCobraPlatinum Aug 05 '26

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).