What's in a Name? [9.5.08]

Many people choose to live their lives opposite what is expected of them. The nerds want to be all-state champions, the quarterbacks want to pass calculus, brunettes want to be blond, and blonds want to be gingers. One can imagine how surprised I was when I observed a group of students who were more than happy to oblige the world's opinion of them. To the outside world, they are known only as "gamers". Their time is spent doing what typical gamers do: break high scores, find another secret passage, and use cheat codes to explore uncharted worlds. However, gamers also do good in their alternate universe: they defend the oppressed, conquer barren lands, build lasting kingdoms, and almost always save the damsel in distress. Despite the initial comedy of the "gamer" lifestyle, the outside world eventually recognizes the detrimental side of this perpetual fantasy. Real life doesn't consist of energy swords, invisibility, or growth hormones in the form of red spotted mushrooms. Instead of spending hours defending the fictionally oppressed, gamers could protect those who actually suffer from affliction. Rather than deciphering the next cheat code, why not unravel the mysteries of this world? Why build fraudulent kingdoms when you can build your own coffee table? As I get off the couch and walk away from their world, the gamers don't wish me farewell. They haven't noticed my departure. I wonder, will I notice theirs?