There’s a reason you don’t really see Rubik’s Cubes all that much anymore. Despite cubing’s increased popularity, cubers prefer to keep their hobby behind closed doors. What does this mean for the hobby as a whole?

Do you know how to navigate around the streets of Barrow, Alaska without a GPS?

Barrow, Alaska

I’m at least 90% sure the answer is no for everybody reading this blog. Why?

Easy, you’ve never been to Barrow, Alaska!

We don’t understand something if we’re not exposed to it.

And the same concept applies to cubing. So with that said, what do I think is a possible solution to the issue of the lack of understanding of cubing with relation to cubing in public?

The Solution

Cubers: Cube in public more!!! I bet you didn’t see that coming, huh.

People purposefully avoid cubing in public for different reasons:

1. It’s awkward to them
2. They don’t like to be stared at
3. They hate having to answer questions
4. They feel like they’re coming off as just showing off

I don’t really have anything regarding 1, 2, and 4. If you really can’t get over those feelings, then you shouldn’t have to force yourself. But #3 is why I’m bringing this topic up in the first place.

Imagine cubing in public BECAUSE you want people to ask you questions. Taking it down a notch, what if you just were prepared to start a conversation with anyone you inquires about your hobby?

I will tell you what will start to happen if you’re willing and open to questions: We will start building understanding towards our hobby. We have to stop waiting for people to go to Barrow, Alaska and then wondering why they don’t understand Barrow. Let’s bring the Alaska to them!

The hesitancy cubers have towards cubing in public is limiting the exposure of the hobby to the general public, minimizing understanding of the hobby.

General public:

As far as the general public goes with this one, it’s not too hard of a job compared to forcing yourself into public situations.

Be curious.

If you see them out and about with a Rubik’s cube and you really are curious about what it is that they are doing or you just have general questions, you are not bothering cubers by asking.

Asking questions is a beneficial sign that people are genuinely interested in learning more about cubing, and will go a long way in bridging the gap in understanding that currently exists.

Conclusion:

So cubers, do be afraid to bring your cubes out. And everyone else, don’t be afraid to bring your questions out. If we eliminate the hesitations involved on both sides we may be surprised about how much we each learn and how much the hobby benefits as a whole.