It is such a big problem. Most young gamers (say under 30) just come from an alien viewpoint. They know very little real history, they don't keep up with the news and have only watched a couple mostly animated Tv shows and movies that all gives them a nice "rated G" view of the world. And then add all the silly video games on top of that.
It gets to be pointless trying to explain that my game is "real" or "hardcore" or anything else. No matter what I say, they will just think "oh like that silly rated g cartoon I watch".
Or the players will just lie, say they understand and want to start playing the game.