Even politicians are people. Arguably, even gamers are people.
Still, it's weird to come from a generation among the first to grow up on video games and actually see elected officials play video games. One of them is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is currently celebrating her promotion to the silver division in League of Legends. You may or may not agree with her political stance, but the fact is, that makes her a better player than the vast majority of people matchmaking forces me to play with.
Compared to politics, League ends up being a place where you can unwind. The flaming and toxicity just roll off your back because, in all likelihood, you've had worse before breakfast today. AOC is one of the first female members of the Democratic Socialists of America elected to serve in Congress, and also the youngest woman ever to be elected. This means that the 30-year-old politician falls smack in the middle of the millennial generation - the ones known for their comfort around technology, social media, and video games. The fact that she plays League should perhaps not come as a surprise, but it kind of does: when you're used to the word "politician" meaning old and gray-haired, seeing them tweet out their game achievements tends to feel weird.
First tweeted by Aída Chávez, journalist at The Intercept who covers Congress, with the caption "finally some real representation in congress [sic]," the picture shows AOC's screenshot of the silver badge.
The Congresswoman herself retweeted it, writing, "I finally made it to Silver." The reactions were immediate and varied. Some people are inviting her to play with them, while others are telling her she deserves a better placement. Of course there are also those berating her for wasting her time (notably, not following impeachment hearings). There's also a small but vocal group of people belittling her achievement - indicative of the fact that they have probably never tried to, for lack of better phrase, "git gud."
Let's not forget those telling her, "OK, millennial" - a play on the viral phrase "OK, boomer" used to dismiss the boomer generation's views and opinions.
Then, the most important question of all, posed by Twitter user @TheSpiceWizard: "Will you take a stand and support legislation to nerf Yasuo?" She has yet to reply, but we're all waiting with bated breath. With great power comes great responsibility, etcetera.
But someone should probably tell her she's still not out of Elo hell.