The Westboro Baptist Church are a controversial fundamentalist Christian outfit who have gained infamy in the media as a result of their disrespectful and inflammatory protests against homosexuality, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and ethnicity. Their goal is simply attention to their narrow-minded beliefs. They do not wish to debate or discuss or consider the history and etymology of Christianity or religion. They simply hold up their “God Hates Fags” placards and shout out their coarse, venomous slogans.

To those they oppose, they are ignorant, abusive thugs. To the wider Christian community, they are an embarrassment. They have done more to damage the reputation of Christianity throughout the world than they could ever hope to accomplish in meeting their ideals.

If these people were ever to meet Jesus as he is spoken of in the New Testament, he would be embarrassed at their lack of compassion and goodwill, and insulted to have the teachings of Christianity misappropriated in such a fashion.

Although fanboys are obviously not as controversial as this group, the actions of a fanboy are a microcosm of this group's actions.

For illustrative purposes I will refer to the phenomenon of PS3 fanboyism, though there are many other denominations of fanboys, these are the group that have been given the most attention on Destructoid and therefore those who have been exposed the most throughout our community.

The standard hymn sheet of the PS3 fanboy is one full of virtues of their console of choice above all others. In this case it would be the PS3’s functionality as a multimedia player, the free wireless gaming network, the exclusive games developed by revered developers such as Naughty Dog and Polyphony Digital and the "more mature" install base. In tandem, a hymn sheet full of derogatory notions about the competition (Xbox 360 and the RRoD fiasco, Wii and the “Carnival Games” shovelware debacle etc.) is close to hand. Pick and switch from both sheets and hey presto! You have fanboy vitriol. They aren’t looking for debate or discussion and they certainly have no respect for anyone who may have a differing view. They have their placard, which says “I Hate M$”, and they wave it about, shouting their coarse slogans.

They never contend with criticism; the “impossible” Dual Shock 3, the doll house/meat market/interactive advert that is PlayStation Home, the ApocalyPS3, none are mentioned and if they are then they are spun or ignored, even though a rational mind would argue it would be in their interest to only want the best from their chosen idol.

To the wider gaming community, they are a bad joke. To fellow PS3 owners, they are shameful and ignorant, with little true respect for Sony or the videogame industry. Their narrow-minded allegiance at the expense of civility or reasoned, thoughtful discussion is at best an excuse for Sony to never try too hard for fans who could never be disappointed. At worst, they are a poster child for the internet as a tool of anonymous spite.

The sad fact that these groups should understand is that if those that they revere (Kaz Hirai, Hideo Kojima etc.) were to read any of their comments, they would be appalled and embarrassed that the console and games that they designed for entertainment and enjoyment are being used as the calling card for campaigns of immature playground taunts, hatred, inhumanity and disrespect.

Ultimately this may not seem like news to those that are more learned about videogames or internet communities in general, to those who may or may not own a PS3 but can be subjective about it without the need for outbursts of smear and muckraking. There is so much that videogames from all companies have to offer nowadays that to tie yourself down to one sector is a terrible waste.

If you enjoy videogames even half as much as you say you do, you'd be a fool to be a fanboy.

Perhaps to those who subscribe to fanboyism though, I hope this proves enlightening; in your quest to defend your beloved, you are simultaneously damaging that which you hold most dear, and missing out on all the greatness that gaming has to offer.

For that, you have my pity.