Breaking down the walls of "girl gamer" stereotypes

Out of curiosity, I entered the term "gamer" into Google and one of the first hits I got was this little gem. It's a guide on how to get your girlfriend into video games. At first glance it seemed harmless enough until I actually began to read it. It was littered with statements such as these:

"People often assess whether or not they’ll enjoy something by referring back to their first memory. So let’s say you do give her the big Xbox controller. In short time her arms may tire, she may not be able to function the triggers properly or the face buttons might stick on her. You’ve already ruined the experience for her and she might not want to go back. Try your best to accommodate her..."

"As cliche as this may sound puzzle games are an excellent way of breaking your girl into video games. They're fun, addictive and most of them are insanely cute. I know guys, most of them probably aren't your cup of tea but there's no easier way to ease a girl into the scene. Mainly because most of them operate on the premise of logistic reasoning. I think she can understand the concept of lining up three like-colored objects as the key to success. Simple games for this are Puzzle Fighter, Puzzle Bobble and Bejeweled."

Way to make us all sound like blubbering idiots. Seeing things like this really makes me want to stop and re-evaluate the way the world views people like me. Is the female species really that hard to comprehend? Is it a losing battle to try and convince guys that we're not all simpletons who can't grasp the concept of an Xbox controller or the intricate workings of titles besides Puzzle Fighter or Dance Dance Revolution?

I'm beginning to think so. But take heart, dear reader, because as long as there is breath in my body I will work to demolish these shallow stereotypes. But anyway. Back to my point.

I've been a gamer all my life. There have been countless times, either at school or in a large group that I have witnessed people (guys, usually) mulling over the details of the newest releases or the new consoles coming out. And usually, when I offer my opinion or try to give input, they look at me like I'm some sort of alien. I've grown accustomed to such treatment, but it's still a pretty pathetic thing. Especially when there are girls out there who act like total imbeciles - breasts hanging out and dressed like streetwalkers - furthering the stereotype that we are all stupid and technological concepts escape us. It's the same with gaming. Most females that I am acquainted with are at a loss for words when you ask them about the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, or even the PlayStation 3.

At school just a few days ago one of these girls had my buddy's DS fooling around with it. She deleted his quick save on Final Fantasy III because she "didn't get it". She just turned it off. Idiots like that give us all a bad name. I'm not sure if I'm even making sense anymore. It just gets my blood to boiling, all these small things that cannot be avoided.

I'll write some more when I am more clear-headed.