Theres a not so fine line between using your imagination, mental and social skills, and this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_eku...eature=related

I never really understood why people thought RPGs were nerdy until I met other people that played them. Bart's quote above is absolutely correct. I think a lot of the stigma comes from the actual nerds, not the games. I always viewed RPGs as the bridge between books and movies, you use your imagination, but there is more involvement and a story you can have a personal impact on.