We need to aim to change the current paradigm so we can increase the adoption rate so people view it more favorably.
Why are people always trying to forcibly push bitcoin in a certain direction? Bitcoin will organically pick a path & run with it. You don't have to sell it for it to work. It isn't going to go away just because people stop promoting it.
It is pretty easy to continue using old money to purchase what is currently deemed as legal. What is more difficult to purchase, especially online, are items that are deemed illegal. Who would of thought a digital, anonymous currency would start heading in this direction? If this was the only benefit, bitcoin could end up only being a niche currency. But fortunately, there are other, more legitimate reasons.
Fiat currencies have forever increasing supplies which creates price inflation. Most people don't like saving money only to realize it is being eroded away by inflation. Here's another void bitcoin will easily fill that isn't frowned upon. This will create a domino effect because a majority of people's wealth will be stored in bitcoins to avoid inflation. How long will this take to happen? Who knows. And even if you don't care for places like silkroad, just realize those places are getting the word out about bitcoin. Even if it is bad press, people will soon start to realize how many other great characteristics bitcoin has.
But I wouldn't recommend throwing your life savings into bitcoin yet. It is still going to be a VERY bumpy road. Just wait until the banks boycott sending money to mtgox like they did wikileaks. It may not kill bitcoin, but it will certainly extend its adoption period.
