A Different Perspective of PlayStationHome
I have written a couple of articles giving our readers a different perspective on PlayStation Home; and I will continue doing so in the future. However… at this time, I would like to share with our readers a very special story of someone on Home. A true story that I feel compelled to share with all of you which will hopefully open up the eyes of our beloved community called Home and it’s affiliates/management.
This is the story of a lady named, Carmen… Carmen has been a quadriplegic since she was an infant. Wheelchair bound her entire life, Carmen has survived polio, leukemia, asthma, and diabetes. She only has the function of one lung and she breathes and talks through her tracheotomy (a speaking/breathing valve in her throat). Carmen does not possess functions of her limbs like most of us do, she only has limited function of her left hand. Carmen has no actual control of the rest of her limbs as most of us do. She has spent her entire life either sitting up on her hospital-style bed or sometimes… goes out in her motorized wheelchair.
Please don’t get me wrong, this is NOT a story to earn pity or even empathy for Carmen; quite the contrary actually… Considering all the physical adversities and/or handicaps she has endured, she is a very independent woman who has charisma, ambition and the rare WILL to survive and overcome her own adversities any way she can. Yes, she has been married in the past and has a son in his 20′s by her first husband. Carmen has always lived her life to the fullest, AND continues to do so. doing things that would amaze many of us.
Which brings us to Sony’s PS3…
A few years ago, Carmen first experienced a Sony PS3. What’s so strange about that? Considering the fact that through most of her life, Carmen’s extreme disabilities have prevented her from fully enjoying video games due to the consoles and the design of the controllers (keep in mind that she only has movement on her left hand and even then… very limited movement). The actual design and size of the PS3 controller prevented her from being able to use most of the controller’s buttons.
When the PS3 was being set up for the very first time in her home (entering name, address, and other important personal information Etc. in order to ‘sign up’ for PlayStation Network) she felt a very deep fear thinking that Sony personnel would spy into her living room through the PS3! Putting those ‘fears’ aside, Carmen was shown the wonders of PlayStation Home for the very first time. It was very touching to see Carmen’s eyes filled with child-like wonderment as she saw avatars walking around, chatting Etc. in this virtual land called Home. I saw her eyes dancing with excitement.
Carmen was obviously overwhelmed by all this technology: the ability to create an avatar, designing it from head to toe, dressing it, making it dance, walk and do other things that she, herself was NOT capable of doing in real life was something that she could only dream of her entire life.
The first look on Carmen’s face when she started to control her avatar was priceless! Like a blind person acquiring the gift of sight for the very first time, it was very emotional and touching at the same time to see her little fingers find their way around the PS3 controller which shortly before had greatly intimidated her.
Carmen slowly but surely became more experienced with the PS3 controller and with some minor effort started to ‘modify’ her own avatar. And she soon realized that with a little patience… if she so desired, she could make her avatar look the way she wanted it to.
The very first time I saw her ‘finished’ avatar, I found it cute and amusing that she made her look a little chubby. But as soon as she proudly walked around Central Plaza enjoying her new found freedom to do things that all of us take for granted, the ugly side of humanity reared it’s ugly head… as so many had done in real life, heartless ‘trolls’ started calling her names… ‘fatty’, ‘are you pregnant?’ ‘ you’re ugly’… It literally broke my heart to see her going through the same verbal abuse in this virtual world as she went through her entire childhood and to some extent, her adult life. I decided to intervene and helped her re-design her avatar physical features to look more like her ( I enjoy modifying avatars to look like certain people, celebrities Etc. which in itself is quite a task using the limited tools at your disposal!)
Moving forward to the present: During the past 3 years, Carmen has fallen in love with PS Home. She has adapted herself to becoming a one handed master of the PS3 controller! She has made numerous friends both male and female who have accepted Carmen the way she is. She has even had her share of Home BF’s (in my opinion, maybe MORE than her share! LOL!). She loves to shop, shop, and shop on Home for clothes, spaces, furniture and other doo-dads that Home releases regularly.
During the PSN hack-attack earlier this year, Carmen was going crazy wondering how her ‘Dolphys’ were doing, just like a concerned mother. When PSN came back up, she was the happiest woman on Earth. Home has become paradise for her. Yes, just like anything else, she has had her share of drama on Home but then again…who hasn’t right?
PlayStation Home is truly a miracle for many people such as Carmen. I have become aware that many members of our Home community have disabilities… some physical, some mental but all in all, Home has been called ‘therapy’ for these people that have difficulty functioning or co-existing with the ‘outside world’. I, myself would love to commend Sony for creating this environment for everybody to share. PS Home should be recognized for what it has become… a haven for all of us, including incapacitated individuals who otherwise would not have a place they could call “Home”.
I would love to thank all of the readers who have taken the time out of their busy lives to read about Carmen’s story. But before I sign off… let me give you an update on what Carmen has been up to recently… (you will be surprised!)
*Carmen is a member of The Homelings and has been accepted by their leaders with open arms.
*Carmen is currently participating on Home’s Project Runway 2 as a model.
*Carmen has appeared on a few Homecast clips in the Community Theater. (shout out! HearItWow!)
*Carmen has started to attend Gamer-Indepth meetings as well and loves at how she has been accepted by some of the members.
But the most amazing thing I have seen Carmen accomplish is seeing her play BattleField Bad Company 2 ONLINE!!!!! with other online players! …remember, she only has function of her left hand. I sit there in amazement at how she can run and shoot (from the hip since she cannot possibly use the zoom/aim feature on her controller) enemies left and right. Yes, she is better than me!
In closing, in case anybody out there is wondering who Carmen is and why I know so much about her adventures on Home… well, she is my wife in real life, her PSN ID is BooBoo92173, and if you are wondering why I let her have Home BF’s… it is because I trust her and I taught her how to handle herself against troublemakers. But again…. none of this would be possible for Carmen or anybody else with disabilities if it weren’t for PlayStation Home. (of course Home is fun for the rest of us as well!) Thank you all.
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01 Sep 2011, 9:55 am
Awesome story! I wish you both all luck and happy home days. I didn’t have the honor to meet you yet,but i hope it will be soon.
yours sincerely eve
01 Sep 2011, 10:05 am
Stories like this are really necessary for others to understand the necessity of virtual environments like PSHome. In this case the Community is certainly not a crutch, but it allows Carmen to find an equilibrium it the rest of the community. All that being said, I’ve sat in the same room with this girl on numerous occasions and never noticed she had a disability.
Only in Home!
01 Sep 2011, 10:18 am
The first time I worked with Carmen on HomeCast, I was incredibly impressed with how well she figured out the timing on a particularly tricky shot (the Eat Seat segment). It wasn’t until after I’d finished shooting that BorderBrother told me about Carmen’s challenges, and I was completely blown away.
Without knowing the details of her life, I don’t think anyone who met Carmen in Home would think for one second that she was any different than the rest of us.
01 Sep 2011, 10:25 am
indeed more stories like this, but I know people who do not want others to know that they are disabled or ill. afraid that they are treated differently, they are in home like everyone else,healthy, free to move. The fact remains that I have great respect for people who are open about his.
01 Sep 2011, 10:35 am
A beautifull story …. Enjoy Home Carmen
a french Homies
01 Sep 2011, 10:47 am
God bless you BorderBrother and Carmen! You make the internet a better place.
01 Sep 2011, 11:59 am
WOW, awesome piece … This touched and warmed my heart … I hope I get to see you on Home sometimes
01 Sep 2011, 11:59 am
This is a very awesome article.GOD bless you carmen and your family.I had back surgery on aug 1st 2 days before my birthday i was scared about the surgery,but i prayed and ask GOD to look over me while i went through this surgery,And everything came out great,But as far as for Playstation Home i have met the most wonderful friends that i could ask for I have met people all over the world never thought i would ever meet anyone like as far as aruba,But u just never know about playstation home.I like this story,This story will touch alot of people’s hearts.God Bless you and your family.Ty for letting me post and hearing my little story.
01 Sep 2011, 12:48 pm
Truly inspiring and touching. Just shows that Home is for everyone- a place where everyone can equally share some fun together. Great piece Rudy.
01 Sep 2011, 12:49 pm
I’m floored, almost in tears, the reality of what Home brings to some people is touching, amazing, and i don’t have any more words for what i just read. Amazing story. Thanks for this.
01 Sep 2011, 7:49 pm
Thank you all for those kind comments. I am sincerely touched and amazed at how Boo’s story touched some of your hearts. Yes, I myself am very proud of my girl, Boo (Carmen). She is quite a character trust me! and a very special lady with a beautiful soul.
01 Sep 2011, 8:06 pm
(BorderrBrother619 typing a message from BooBoo92173 to all of you):
“This is Boo (Carmen), I want to thank you all for reading the article that my husband wrote about me; it was fun because I would love people to know how Home has made many miracles come true for me. I really appreciate all of you and if you ever would like to know more about me, I am not shy about my life. Thank you again. and thanks to my husband for writing it”.
02 Sep 2011, 2:36 am
A touching article Rudy. Just goes to show how virtual worlds like ps home can give opportunities to people to experience things that they might otherwise not be able to in real life. It is great to hear stories like this. Very inspiring and a testament to how virtual communities can impact people’s lives. I touched upon some of these issues in an article I wrote for HSM, but reminds me how blessed we all are to be able to interact with each other in a virtual world regardless of what circumstances that might otherwise prevent us from even knowing each other. TY for sharing this amazing story with us Rudy. And thank you Boo for your inspiration and courage. I am proud to call you both my friends. ^__^
02 Sep 2011, 9:28 am
So many glorious beings result in the swelling pride.
BooBoo is no exception. *bows*
Great story
02 Sep 2011, 9:46 am
This is exactly why I feel PlayStation Home is not a game. There are people controlling each and every one of these avatars. BooBoo (Carmen) is no different. It’s just sad to see people on Home attacking others out of boredom or simply to give themselves something to do. Although I cannot say I’ve been in her shoes, I do know what it’s like to receive negative comments because of who I am. So if you’re reading this BooBoo, just keep doing what you do and don’t let others ruin your experience. They could learn from your example as someone who achieved plenty despite the odds. God bless you and your family.
02 Sep 2011, 12:40 pm
This is a very touching and well written article. You both seem like great people, and i’m glad Carmen has found a place where she is accepted and has a fun time being there!
02 Sep 2011, 6:46 pm
Great story!! So nice to read about PShome making such a difference in someones life! Here’s to you and your family. See you on home guys
xx
02 Sep 2011, 7:42 pm
my Battleboo
i need ammo ! lol , im so grateful for our time together in home and battlefield , you always make me smile ( especially whe you and CaptADD are trading lines lol ) its my privilege to have you and rudy as friends 
… ” hey there’s ******man ! there boo get him ! yeah baby 
nice
02 Sep 2011, 8:40 pm
Wonderful story! =D You guys are such amazing people <3 I only wished that less people were a$$es in both real life and virtual, but that's just how some people are..
11 Sep 2011, 1:07 pm
Great to see stories like this. Goes to show we cant let the troll crazies win. BooBoo your a great example to everyone on home.
11 Sep 2011, 2:03 pm
That’s an amazing story. There’s something extremely liberating about having virtual worlds that many people don’t understand, and I’m really happy that Carmen is having such a good time.
I was just thinking about what other virtual experiences she might like. Has she tried Flower? It’s a beautiful game that is 100% playable just by tilting the controller and pressing any button.
11 Sep 2011, 2:07 pm
@BorderBrother619
I forgot to mention that I love your avatar
11 Sep 2011, 2:11 pm
very nice story…i’ve known Boo 4 I believe almost a yr now since like Nov or Dec of last yr & we’ve been great friends & Boo is an amazing person…I love how she jokes around & the way she explained makin a PSN acct was hilarious. Many great times i’ve had with Boo that i’m sure I won’t 4get.
11 Sep 2011, 2:52 pm
As a quadriplegic home user myself, i agree that home is an amazing social outlet. It is hard though, people generally are not very accepting. It’s great to see your wife active in the home community.I’ll have to look out fot her. If anyone wants to chat or hang out in home. Add me my PSN ID is ackrin
11 Sep 2011, 3:44 pm
This is something many tend to forget or understand. Home allows people with limitations in real life to go beyond those limits. It’s a place where many of us can be “normal”. Those of us with physical, emotional or geographical limitations can participate and become part of a national and global community.
Carmen sounds like a wonderful person. Your article is a great reminder of how special Home can be. Thank you both for sharing.
12 Sep 2011, 10:17 am
“”Finished reading the story and throws away the Battlefield game behind her and smiles”"
“‘Cough”‘ Hey guys……I love reading the story and its amazing how one person can control her own world in Home with any disabilities given in their lifes. I am truly proud of her coping wih Home life the way she does. I mean her accomplishments so far is amazing. I am truly proud of her. I met a guy once at Hudson some long time ago and he was walking around on two avatar legs and was having fun. In real life he was paralyzed and sitting in a wheel chair…..Its amazing what Home can do to those who arent so fortunate in real life. If I meet her in Home, then she can be my friend anytime. This lady should be the role model for those who have disabilities in life. She would shock them and amaze them with Home. She should speak out for other people with disabilities…..If you can control your world in Home and play games and kick ass while doing it, then imagine what they can accomplish in real life.
You go girl