Today I want to talk a little bit about the situation that happened last week in regards to Elliot Rodgers. I've seen a couple of people over the weekend linking his association with WoW and the fact that he quoted Garrosh. So, of course, the media bandwagon has decided to latch onto this and of course, there are people- once again- trying to blame a video game over something that happened.
If you read the 141 page mainfesto he wrote, you would understand exactly why this happened: the kid didn't know how to deal with jealousy. He also didn't have any true social skills- especially when it came to women.
Now I do not think WoW is a good scapegoat to his issues, however, I will say this: he played WoW at a time in which he should have been out meeting girls and having fun. However, on that same note, he was the one that chose to play video games and basically avoid talking to women instead of being a socialable teenage boy.
We as WoW players know that there needs to be a balance between our gaming life and our social life. Especially in your teenage years into your twenties.
Elliot chose not to have that balance. I can understand being awkward in social situations- we're all that way to an extent; however that doesn't stop us from talking to the opposite sex. Even with aspergers, you can still somewhat have a normal life.
Now, on that note, I want to talk to the people that are very awkward around other people: sometimes you have to do things you do not want to do. I know it can be hard to really get to meet people, but if you are at that point in which it is almost emotionally impossible to talk to people, you absolutely need to get some help.
Don't just blow it off as a chore you have to do. There are people out there that can help you deal with those issues. If the first person you see doesn't work out, don't just give up.
Teenagers- especially of the MMO variety: you need to take the time to logout of the game and go meet people. This is the time in your life where you need to experience the fun in life- even if it's with just a small group of friends. Also, you need to learn to accept yourself for who you are. You don't need to be the popular guy to get a girlfriend.
One thing I noticed with Elliot's manifesto, he assumed (wrongly) that in order to meet girls you had to be the cool guy. No- he is 100% wrong on this.
How do you get the girl? You talk to them, you get to know them, you talk about each others interests and plans. You don't sit there and assume that just because you have the pretty car and the expensive clothes that it automatically makes you a girl magnet:
THAT IS NOT HOW THAT WORKS!
Another thing, sex is not the most important thing in the world. Don't assume that just because you haven't had sex-even by a certain age- it makes you inferior to people. Just because you think everyone is doing it, it doesn't mean that everyone is doing it.
I guess what I learned reading the manifesto is this: do not let jealousy take over your life.
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