In lieu of the Omaha shootings

[Rodja]

In case some of you missed it (like I did), a 19 year-old went into a mall in Omaha and killed 8 people. It is the classic story of lost soul unleashing his angst on random, unfortunate people.

This is where I get on my soapbox:
I have never been known as a philanthropist, nor do I expect to be. However, i am somewhat sympathetic to people in this situation. I do not condone his actions, but I can relate to his aimlessness and disillusionment. Hell, after Columbine, there where some at my HS that thought that I might soon imitate their actions, but that is another story. I think what gets lost in the shuffle is the root of the problem: a lack of a support structure within most US households. I remember the fallout form Columbine and, though the media tried to moronically blame Doom and Marilyn Manson for what happened, many were not surprised because of the lack of interest, or care, that many parents displayed. Add that to the constant ridicule from their peers and it is very easy to see how someone can snap.
I think I can make the generalization that everyone have teased or insulted someone at some point and many do it frequently. I am guilty of this and I have also been on the receiving end on many occasions as well. After years of this, coupled with the confusion and chaos, it leads to really bad things. Some people can discard these comments, but others lack this ability. Basically, what I am getting at is that teasing and insulting people has few, if any, positive effects. It has become a huge part of our society, which I hypothesize, has lead rise to the rise of these incidents. I am writing this as a plea to everyone to do their part to either help someone who feels lost and alone or to not insult or alienate someone based on their ethnicity, clique, etc.

 

[Irish Cannon]

It all comes down to poor parenting in this situation and many others. (loose women, alcoholics, racism, etc.)

But what do you expect from a society that teaches that there are no moral absolutes?

My sis lives in Omaha. I called her as soon as I heard about this. Luckily she wasn't at that mall; however, she goes there rather often.

 

[Rodja]

It all comes down to poor parenting in this situation and many others. (loose women, alcoholics, racism, etc.)

But what do you expect from a society that teaches that there are no moral absolutes?

My sis lives in Omaha. I called her as soon as I heard about this. Luckily she wasn't at that mall; however, she goes there rather often.

There are many factors that go into situations like this, but, in the end, every person makes their own decisions. That being said, tragedies like this can be avoided with minor adjustments in our culture.

 

[saludable24]

I feel this way every time this happens -- Rant

Words are powerfull things for both good and evil. For those of us who were ridiculed and cast out of society beause we were "different" in whatever aspect, life as a young person can hurt tremendously. It surprises me little that these things happen, and I suppose that they will continue to happen until society "gets it" and starts treating all people with common courtesy and respect if not love and acceptance.

We are all responsible for our own actions, but I can undertand very clearly how someone could misunderstand or stop caring about the consequences of their actions, though this does not absolve them of ultimate responsibility for those actions. Adolesence and high school can be quite traumatic for some, and most victims of discrimination and constant rejction are not responsible for what makes them different and certainly arn't responsible for the mistreatment of others inflicted upon them and the psycological effects these have.

Thankfully most people do have good and possitive influences in their lives, even if few and far between, and can choose to follow those influences for good. I thank Heaven for the great influences that gave me better choices. Time and college experience after high school, away from those who would discriminate against me was key. I am now quite normal by all accounts, but in my heart I hurt deeply for every time I hear or see someone upon whom pain is unwillingly inflicted for no other reason than being "different" than the rest of society. I feel very sorry for the victims of these peoples' actions as well as for the gunmen themselves. What amount of pain did they carry that led them to act in such a way?

These "crazed gunmen" in most cases were really just children abandoned to pain and mistreatment, and their actions the result of them wanting for society to "hear" their problem since no one cared enough to do anything about it before. People usually care, just not enough to do anything about it. Will we finally listen to what is really happening? Will we take note of our actions and the consequences they bring? Will those who are bringing up children in this day and age will be responsible enough to teach them the importance of treating others with respect no matter how "different" from everyone else they may be. How many of these tragedies would have been prevented through friendly treatment by others?

I hope we will work to help all to feel loved and cared for in this life before it is too late. And if we don't, what are we really doing here in this life anyway?

I'd also like to take this time to say thank you to the whole AM community for being great people who do not ridicule, but accept all who come with what they have and help each of us to become better.

 

[Rivet]

In case some of you missed it (like I did), a 19 year-old went into a mall in Omaha and killed 8 people.

What always upsets me about these situations is the randomness. This shooter doesn't know who hes killing. What if these people he shot had a worse life then him yet cope with it. What if hes troubled about being bullied then goes out and bullies (with a gun) other people who are already bullied. So its not ok for you to be bullied but its ok for you to do it?

Sorry needed to vent that...

 

[CryingEmo]

The guy was confused, and IMO 19 years old doesn't make you an adult. I don't think it justifys his actions in anyway, it's more like a kid playing with a gun, and not understanding that people can't come back to life. He probably just needed a friend. In a world so cold... indeed.

That should also serve as a warning for most of you guys not to bully people.

 

[saludable24]

What always upsets me about these situations is the randomness. This shooter doesn't know who hes killing. What if these people he shot had a worse life then him yet cope with it. What if hes troubled about being bullied then goes out and bullies (with a gun) other people who are already bullied. So its not ok for you to be bullied but its ok for you to do it?

Sorry needed to vent that...

I agree; the randomness is horrible for the victims, having no real rhyme or reason for happening. I can't imagine it.