Non-gamers don't see it is a legitimate hobby. The problem is that the very word 'game' devalues it. Long gone are the days of left right and fire being replaced feats if true skill, dexterity and patience! My 1000G on CoD 2 still fills me with pride and I'm 42!
Surely violence is more directly linked to poor areas and therefore by default gaming is less prolific due to the costs involved? The entertainment industry always gets the rap be it film, music or gaming.