MIDTERM 3 - ESSAY

Thesis Statement

I will argue that toxic "smurfs" in the competitive video game Valorant consistently satisfy Aaron James’s three conditions for being an asshole.

Aaron James's Core Definition

According to Aaron James, an asshole "systematically allows himself to enjoy special advantages in interpersonal relations out of an entrenched sense of entitlement that immunizes him against the complaints of other people."

Component 1 (Definition)

Systematically allowing oneself special advantages. This means repeatedly bypassing normal social contracts and rules, like cutting in line.

Component 2 (Definition)

Entrenched sense of entitlement. A false belief where the person thinks they are special and the normal rules simply do not apply to them.

Component 3 (Definition)

Immunization against complaints. Because the person falsely believes they have a right to these advantages, they feel entirely justified and dismiss any objections from others.

Reiterate Thesis

As I have argued, toxic smurfs in Valorant satisfy all three of Aaron James's conditions for being an asshole

Group Description (Valorant Smurfs)

In Valorant, players are matched by skill. A "smurf" is a veteran player who creates a low-ranked account to intentionally bypass this matchmaking to dominate beginners. A "toxic" smurf actively mocks those less experienced players.

Argument for Component 1 (Advantages)

Toxic smurfs take special advantages by subverting the game's matchmaking rules to guarantee an asymmetrical, unfair match, treating the lobby as their personal target practice.

Argument for Component 2 (Entitlement)

They do this out of an entrenched entitlement because they falsely believe their high mechanical skill means the standard rules of fairness do not apply to them, failing to treat beginners with basic moral respect or as "ends in themselves."

Argument for Component 3 (Immunization)

They are immunized against complaints because when lower-ranked players object to the ruined match, the smurf dismisses them. They claim they have a "right" to relax in lower lobbies and tell the complaining beginners they are the ones in the wrong by saying "get good."