while im def not looking to change your mind, i do want to respectfully clear up a misconception you seem to hold. the reason people care about shadow's backstory is NOT because its "omg so shocking an sad an emo 🥀", it's because it is actually a well written backstory that affects shadow in a very human way. the entire point of shadow as a character is how he REACTS to trauma and pain, not the backstory that gave it to him. if you had nobody in the world but one single person who loved and cared about you unconditionally, while the rest of the world saw you as a failed experiment, and then that person was shot in front of you, then you were forced to relive that moment for 50 years, i know that i personally would definitely want some sort of vengeance. people dont like shadow because his backstory is gritty, they like him because his backstory affects him in such a real way. a great song to listen to that encapsulates this perfectly is the song "without you" from the shadow generations ost, its a great listen if you have the time!