TOW #13: I have Asperger's, I play violent video games -- and I'm not going to shoot you

    One year after the tragic Sandy Hook shooting, multiple views have been put out about the gun situation, including this one by Jeff White. Now 26 years old, White was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at age 10. Along with having Asperger's, White plays violent video games to help with his hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. He's got the characteristics of a shooter, right? In White's view, that's all wrong. White believes that people need to treat people the way they want to be treated in order to fight the enemy of desperation.
     White believes it is not the guns and mentally ill people we are fighting, it is the enemy of desperation. Too many stereotypes have now been categorized for mass shooters. Adam Lanza, the murderer of 20 children, was believed to have Asperger's as well. Aaron Alexis, who killed 13 in the D.C. Navy Yard shooting had a history of playing violent video games. Now, people are using vague  factors to stereotype others. Just because you have a mental illness and play video games does not mean you are at risk for shooting people. White would like to get rid of those stereotypes and focus on what else can be done do stop the mass murders. He advises to "Stop bullying, support people that ask for help, and care about the people we come in contact with" in order to stop more tragic events. If one lends a hand to someone else in need, that person may remember that forever and want to pay it forward. Nothing will ever prevent something from happening completely, like a seatbelt will not prevent all automotive injuries, but it is a step in the right direction. Fighting the enemy of desperation by providing care and kindness can do nothing but help the situation.
   I think White does a well-done job in achieving his purpose. He uses himself and others as a prime example living with Asperger's that he is not fit into the stereotype, and only a select few do. His idea in a world of cruelty and hatred is giving love to those who need it most, and that is the best idea that I have heard yet.