True Crime Garage Podcast Recommended Reading. “The bizarre story of Elliot Rodger . . . prepare to have your mind blown.”–Patrick Quinlan,bestsellingauthor of Smoked This is the story of Elliot Rodger, and how he turned from a nice, quiet polite young man to the first self-identified incel (involuntarily celibate) killer . . . Elliot Rodger considered himself to be intelligent, refined, … self-identified incel (involuntarily celibate) killer . . .
Elliot Rodger considered himself to be intelligent, refined, handsome, fashionable and charming. He spent years trying to be cool so women would like him. He thought if he just wore expensive and fashionable clothing, had a better car, or if he were rich, then women would throw themselves at him. In fact, he thought himself to be “The Supreme Gentleman.”
Yet, women paid no attention to him. His only conclusion was that they were genetically flawed, and because of this they ignored him and threw themselves at men who were ignorant, savage brutes. In his mind, his lack of success with women had ruined his life. He began to psychologically deteriorate.
Rodger decided to get revenge. He spent months planning his “Day of Retribution,” an act where he would kill as many attractive women, and the type of men that they were drawn to, as he could in a savage attack. Then he acted on his plan, killing 6 people and wounding numerous others in what became known as the Isla Vista Massacre. The story does not end with Rodger however, as numerous other incels have since committed copycat attacks.
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The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer is based on the true-to-life story of Elliot Rodger. Rodger made headlines in May 2014 when he massacred people in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, California. In this book, the author tells of the struggle of the mentally ill Rodger.
The story of The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer begins on May 24, 2014, the “day of retribution”. Elliot Rodger lays in wait for his roommates. On this day, he decides to kill them. It’s part of his plan to turn his apartment into a torture chamber. His primary motive to kill people is fueled by extreme hatred. He hates women because they neither give him attention nor love him. Elliot also despises other men for being attractive and loveable than he.
Elliot’s first victims are his two roommates and a friend of the latter. He stabs them to death. Then, he proceeds to a sorority house with the aim of shooting all of the residents there. Unable to get into the house, he decides to kill just anyone he finds in the street.
Who is Elliot Rodger?
Elliot Rodger is the son of Peter Rodger, a British filmmaker and photographer. His mother is Li Chen, a Malaysian-born nurse. The Rodger family is wealthy and have a good connection, especially in the show business industry.
Elliot is a special child. He’s diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified. It’s a certain condition that does not readily qualify as autism. Although he’s prescribed with a medication for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or irritable behavior associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Elliot’s behavior consists of delays in the development of socialization and communication. He remains quiet and shy most of the time. He finds it difficult, even hate, to interact with other people. In short, Elliot does not have any real friend, other than James.
The Worsening Condition
Despite his several visits to the psychiatrist’s office, Elliot is never put in a mental institution. As he grows up, his mental state gradually worsens. Some serious family situations even trigger his condition. His parents’ divorce, the remarriage of his father, and his trip to Morocco add up to his trauma. His parents never fully understand Elliot’s condition.
Moreover, puberty heightens Elliot’s anxiety. From this point onwards, his desire to be loved and experience sex with girls escalates. But, he doesn’t get any of it, let alone getting noticed by the opposite sex. Added to his frustration is the fact that the girls are attracted to other boys than him. Elliot feels everyone ignores and rejects him.
Elliot tries hard to “display” himself before girls. But, he never attempts to initiate communication with them in the first place. That’s why his hatred and anger continue to soar. He then decided that if he doesn’t get to have sex with blonde girls, then no other boy should. The idea of being a virgin for life loathes him. He cannot accept living in involuntary celibacy (Incel). This is his line of thinking until he reaches the point to resort to violence.
About the Book and the Author
The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer is a disturbing story and a sensitive matter to handle. Honestly, I found it difficult to review this book. Primarily because there are real people involved in it. The killer’s parents as well as the victims’ families and relatives hold their personal sentiments over the incident. And, they may still be hurting even up to the present. No one can fathom their pain and suffering.
Secondly, the Incel issue is another sensitive matter. Incel is a hate group. These men are unable to find a sexual partner despite their desire to get involved with women. They are attracted to women who don’t want them.
Nevertheless, I commend the author for writing The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer. This book somehow gives light as to why Elliot resorted to violence. By presenting Elliot’s mental health, Brian Whitney allows the reader to see another perspective of the killer. But, this should not be taken as a reason to condone his act.
I also like Whitney’s idea of basing his story on the manifesto that Elliot wrote. However, I would have liked it more if he did in-depth interviews on Elliot’s mental condition. It’s not for personal reason. Rather, it’s important to educate the community at large on the impact of mental illness in relation to violence. It’s not fair to categorically label Elliot, with all his mental condition, as just the deranged gunman.
The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer Rating
Moreover, on the technical side, I found some typographical and grammatical errors in The Supreme Gentleman Killer. Although these errors don’t ruin the reading flow, the author might want to consider it for future reproduction of the book.
Because of the abovementioned flaws, I cannot give the book a perfect score. Instead, I give The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. But, I still recommend it to people 18 years old and above. And, just a word of precaution to the readers: please read it with an open mind, especially in dealing with the major character’s story.
NOTE: The above review is also found at The Catalyst.