Exploring the 'Virgin Killer' Hoax and Its Implications on Bodybuilding Culture

Following his killing spree on May 23, 2014, in Isla Vista, California, where he killed six people and injured 13 others, a troll on the internet claimed that Elliot Rodger went on the rampage because he was taking the bodybuilding supplement for better performance creatine. Surprisingly, many people believed this claim.

The ‘Virgin Killer
 

About 9 years ago, in 2014, a mentally unable guy famous as a "Virgin Killer" break the internet. This fictitious bodybuilder thought he would preserve his status as a Virgin therefore he murdered several people. But later, this event was recognised as fake, it provided insight into a few evil sides of the bodybuilding industry. 

To maintain the appropriate physical form, often  bodybuilders priotitize on focusing each muscle group. Anyhow, they do not know that too much emphasis on exercise per muscle can cause serious health issues like imbalances and injuries. It is important to have a balanced exercise programme that works for every muscle group while emphasizing total health and fitness as opposed to just outward appearance. In this way, bodybuilding enthusiasts can manage a balanced lucrative relationship with their bodies, while still fulfilling their goals related to fitness. 

One example of how this obsession with physical attractiveness can lead to dangerous and harmful activity is the 'Virgin Killer' hoax. Even though the 'Virgin Killer' hoax was eventually revealed for what it was, it still serves as an urgent caution about the perils of the bodybuilding culture. One should keep in mind that the bodybuilding obsession can be dangerous and that well-balanced health does not only depends upon physical appearance. 

Background

In the above image, it is Elliot Rodger who was living in London but migrated to California when he was just 5 years old. Later he felt the need for a professional psychologist as he needed therapy at the age of seven when his parents were separated. To find a school where he would feel at home because he was having problems fitting in at his prior schools, his parents transferred him around to other ones.
Elliot was known as an introvert kid with almost no friends, he started to feel frustrated and angry at a very young age because of his inferiority disorder. He used to compare himself with the other normal kids and felt jealous. He later isolated himself among the fictional heroes of "World of Warcraft". Other kids at school use to bully him. Elliot grew preoccupied with the one thing he believed he was missing: a partner, despite being financially secure, dressing in fashionable clothing, and driving a BMW.

In his journal, he wrote:

"Finding out about sex is one of the things that truly destroyed my entire life. Sex, the very word fills me with hate … I would always covet it, I would always fantasize about it. But I would never get it."

While studying English at Santa Barbara City College, Elliott began to plan his "retribution." He created video logs, including a final one that he released on the same day as his killing spree, in which he documented his plans.

"I desire girls, I’m sexually attracted to girls. But girls are not sexually attracted to me. I have a major problem with that. A major problem. That’s a problem I intend to rectify."

"I, in all my magnificence and power, will not let this fly. It’s an injustice that needs to be dealt with."

His lack of success with women became an obsession.

"I’m 22 years old and I’m still a virgin. I’ve never even kissed a girl.'

"I will destroy all women because I can never have them."

He frequented online forums for involuntary celibates (incels) and bodybuilding.com, where he expressed his extreme hatred towards women. 

In one forum post 

"Start envisioning a world where women fear you"

He spent several months planning his revenge against women and even bought handguns in preparation for the day he referred to as his "retribution."

"I am now armed. Who’s the alpha now bitches?"

He delivered his "manifesto," or journal, titled "My Twisted World," through email to a select group of people on May 23, 2014, including his parents and therapist. He expressed in that journal that:

"I will arm myself with deadly weapons and wage a war against all women and the men they are attracted to."

Later on, he drove to a deli that was frequently used by students after that. One man was killed and several people were hurt when he shot a rapid succession of times through the windows. He went to a 7-eleven, the place where he shot a student outside. He went insane and drove all over Isla Vista, meanwhile shooting several other civilians and also banging his car with pedestrians on his way. 

It was reported that 13 people were severely injured and 6 were brutally killed by Elliot Rodger. Later he committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.

What does this say about bodybuilding?

It is very obvious now that this hoax reveals the presence of trolls in the bodybuilding domain. Except for Emma Foster, this news was not stunning for the majority of the public. Some fellows of the bodybuilding industry, especially those who shifted their interests from computer games to bodybuilding, share diverse insights that others may not be able to grasp. This insight frequently focuses on the divide between bodybuilders and the rest of society, and this prank is a good illustration of that. 

The most remarkable aspect of this hoax, in my opinion, is how easily Emma Foster, her editor, and many of the article's readers accepted the notion that a bodybuilding supplement could start a murdering spree. It feels like now society believes that bodybuilding is an unsafe hobby for people and that their supplements are lethal to bodybuilding enthusiasts. 

In the wider prospect of bodybuilding's contribution to physical and mental health, it is essential to limelight misconceptions and stereotypes about the sport. It is unjust to assume that all bodybuilders engage in such behaviour or that bodybuilding itself is intrinsically harmful despite the fact that the use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids, can have detrimental impacts on both physical and mental health.

There should be a refined analysis performed on the theory of "roid rage", as many people around the globe don't accept it. In order to promote a balanced approach to fitness that emphasizes both physical and mental well-being, it is crucial to inform the public about the potential hazards and benefits of different supplements and training methods rather than demonising bodybuilding in its entirety. 

After reading this article, you must be curious to find out ways to enhance your body muscles to resist the dangers of high-intensity workouts while avoiding danger. For that, remember Elliot Rodger yet do not risk your life by committing mass murder like he did. 

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