There doesn’t seem to be any way to actually criticize the most insufferable public behavior committed by adults. Nor a way to try and prevent the most difficult situations in the workplace, which lead to somebody getting fired.
Perhaps most unfortunately, plenty of people throw their lives away in an abject fit of violence. Though maybe on some level, the willingness to make strangers totally uncomfortable by insulting them is actually a much vaster problem.
For those of you feeling the most hopeless, why not try this metaphor on for size?
Hearthstone is a game in which players take turns making actions with their cards until one of them wins.
Naturally, when one player is about to win against the other, sometimes they will pretend to pining over what to do, when they actually have just enough spells or minions in hand to “have lethal” and win the game. It’s quite the big-hearted thing to do.
What’s more interesting, though, is what players do when they’re about to lose. Sometimes, it’s near completely clear that they don’t stand a chance.
Rather than merely hitting the Concede button, these players will show off the plays they were meaning to do, summon the minions they were going to, or destroy at least one of the bastards on the other side of the board.
To dissect such a whim or urge would be difficult, but it reminds you of adults at their most dangerous or troublesome, doesn’t it?
When you’ve lost nearly everything. When you look pathetic. When you don’t even have a high probability of even staying alive much longer.
Not being sure if you’re causing panic or pity, or excitement or apathy. Not even knowing what the fuck you’re doing, but you’re doing something.
All you want to do in those situations is come off as some something more than wretched.
Something resembling a winner.
Something slightly scary.
Something that understands how to dream big, even if your dreams have all been smashed.
Like somebody about to quit a job trashing the entire place….knowing they’ll only rebuild without your presence.
Other people will call it a freakout.
While to you, it’s more like putting on a show.
Something closer to theatrics that come from the heart.
A cousin of good storytelling.
A thing like deep self-expression.
A voice reaching unto the heavens, saying “I tried my best to win at being human”.
Resisting the urge to do something besides simply give up is a very hard to do, even when you’ve lost.
But in those moments, nothing feels sick or twisted or inappropriate, and that’s the most hazardous state to be in.
It’s what we can’t put into words. Except maybe me, perhaps.
It’s no wonder we use these types of games as an outlet.
Perhaps many non-gamers would benefit from knowing the strange kinds of catharsis inherent in such competition.
And perhaps many gamers could even out their emotions more effectively through their emotionally stimulating hobby.
I would love to see our inner Karens sealed up tight.
Will we ever say good night?
As soon as we understand that that everyone is unfortunately, the underdog.
The Found Emotion (Invoke Yourself) 