Here’s an interesting article by a sociologist in the Chronicle about the psychology of shooters like Seung Cho. It discusses some of the reasons these kids murder. One excerpt:
School shooters are problem solvers. They are trying to turn the reputations they live with as losers into something more glamorous, more notorious. Seung-Hui Cho, a student of creative writing, probably didn’t get a lot of “street cred” for his artistic side. Young men reap more social benefits from being successful on the football field. When their daily social experience — created by their own ineptness, and often by the rejection of their peers — is one of disappointment and friction, they want to reverse their social identities. How do they go about it? Sadly, becoming violent, going out in a blaze of glory, and ending it all by taking other people with them is one script that plays out in popular culture and provides a road map for notoriety.
So, going back to the first discussion on the Virginia shootings–I affirm that there is nothing we can do about the fact that there are crazy mofos out there. Yet I do believe something about popular culture amplifies this aggression and directs it in negative ways. Legislation is, I think, necessary but only part of the solution.
Now I’m a wee bit scared to be a TA or a professor–God forbid there should be such a tragedy on my watch! I’m not sure if I have the courage exhibited by some–blocking the door, shielding students, etc; I guess I can only hope I do.
I agree — it’s always scary to be a teacher, and in today’s environment it scares me even more. Even to be a student…! I’m only taking one class this quarter, and it’s in the basement of Bunche, and every time someone walks by outside I have to fight down the urge to flee.
Comment by lisa — May 3, 2007 @ 11:55 am |
I should have said instinct to flee instead of urge. It’s more like a heightened instinct.
Comment by lisa — May 3, 2007 @ 11:57 am |
Yeah same thing. I was in seminar earlier this week, and I heard a loud BANG in the hallway. I felt my heart skip a beat, which would not have happened prior to the Virginia shootings. Eesh.
Comment by apricot — May 5, 2007 @ 9:40 am |
Hi there…was just cruising the net and your blogs interested me. As an alum of vt and a current instructor – I find those events highly disturbing even today. A student brought up the 2nd amendment to me the other day in class (don’t think he realized he was talking about freedom of religion and linking it with the 2nd amendment) but all the same it was unnerving to think someone might bring a gun in the classroom. I remember having to do drills in elementary school where students had to hide under their desks because they were afraid of bomb threats. Now children have to worry about other children bringing arms and shooting their acquaintences…what next?
Comment by sally — September 28, 2007 @ 1:56 pm |
Hi Sally,
It is truly an unfortunate circumstance in which we find ourselves. I hope that college campuses will continue to up their security. I find UCLA much less secure than it could be, especially at night.
Students seem to have accepted some violence on campus as a matter of course, which is inevitable (and still a pity).
Comment by apricot — October 1, 2007 @ 7:59 am |