Colorado303
Verified Insider Watts Case
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2018
- Messages
- 2,718
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IMO a number of things are needed to reverse the mass-shooter trend (and make the world better in general).There was an ex FBI guy on Fox or CNN yesterday that said the things these shooters have in common is a base level of narcissism, few friends, frustration and a desire for attention and a “cause”. He believes the “cause” is the justification they use, and any cause they can glom on to will do the trick.
The El Paso shooter chose Hispanics. Pulse shooter attacked non-heterosexual, gender-fluid individuals. Last year’s congressional baseball shooter went after Republicans. Religious groups can obviously be targets (synogues/mosques, churches). And we still don’t know if the Vegas shooter was targeting country-music fans, music lovers, Republicans or maybe just happy people in general. We’ll never know.
The bottom line is no group is safe. There’s an alarming resurgence of Hate in this country (and others) —righteous indignation” has become socially sanctioned and encouraged in mainstream society.
IMO It is going to get worse before it gets better, as people seem increasing inclined to build relationships online instead of in person. it’s a trend particularly prevalent among teenage boys from financially secure families. I’m amazed at how many prefer to stay home online instead of going out with friends, are indifferent to getting a drivers license and have little interest in getting a job. Just a subset of course, but a much bigger subset today than in previous generations. Not a lifestyle that fosters understanding, tolerance and/or communication/conflict- resolution skills. Add violent video games to the mix and oh-boy, here we go.
1). Increased access to mental health services for troubled individuals. Particularly those from middle-income families who don’t qualify for free services and can’t afford long-term psychiatric support. Most insurance plans fail to cover more than a few months of counseling. That needs to change or free services need to become available to all.
2). Bullying needs to stop. In person and in social media. Adults who often make critical comments about others online need to realize they are themselves bullying. Not OK— it’s setting an example that bullying is not only acceptable, but kind of fun.
3). Outlets claiming to report the news should be required to be objective and report facts. They have a right to pick and choose what to say, even if it fans righteous indignation. That’s what editorials are for. But differentiate editorial stories from “news”.
4). Social media platforms should take accountability for content posted on their sites. They can’t/shouldn’t be expected to monitor all content, but remove factually inaccurate, inflamatory content when reported.
5). If people see something they need to say something. And the people they say something to must follow up whether that be LE, school officials or parents.