I would personally suggest trying to push for more "clean" and legal ideas (as in not gambling or other grey-market things).
Bitcoin needs more press and publicity for legit non-sketchy things. It doesnt really need any more of a reputation for being a drug and gambling currency if our end game is to get larger mainstream usage down the road.
My thoughts exactly. Sometimes I feel like BTC's worst enemy is its own user base.
Agreed, I think Bitcoin is used in to many illegal things. Such as gambling and SR.
It is used in many illegal things for a reason. And the more things become illegal, the more illegal things will be using Bitcoin.
Imagine the extreme scenario. A 1984 type of environment or jews under Hitler's Germany. Imagine trying to buy a bible or a book that is not authorized by the dictatorship. Or imagine trying to buy a loaf of bread beyond what you are allowed to buy even though your family is starving because of rationing. You would not use a credit card or use your bank account for such a thing. The regime would be able to track your purchase and punish you. The best way to do so would be to use Bitcoins. You could do so anonymously and not be tracked by the oppressive government.
As it is now, there are only a few things that the regime has deemed illegal to purchase such as drugs and gambling. Same thing, you use Bitcoins because you cannot be traced. They have an advantage in that aspect beyond all other payment systems. As governments become more oppressive, Bitcoin will fill that role. There is an advantage to using it for such things and thus the market is responding. Once there is a large enough advantage to using Bitcoins in our day to day purchases, it will fill that role.