How We All Miss the Point on School Shootings

[ClangClang]

http://markmanson.net/school-shootings

Good article. And maybe not what you think.

[BigBear]

Interesting read.... I almost stopped reading after the statement: "Just like Adam Lanza didn’t become a killer because he loved guns; he loved guns because he was a killer." But I'm glad I kept reading. As I've been saying for a while: Common Sense and Common Courtesy are not so common anymore.

[izzy]

A well written piece. I don't think empathy alone is a reasonable catch all solution. Seems a bit hippy dippy to me. Other than that I liked quite a few of his points.

[XC700116]

A well written piece. I don't think empathy alone is a reasonable catch all solution. Seems a bit hippy dippy to me. Other than that I liked quite a few of his points.

While I agree with you, that it seems a bit rainbows and butterflies, I don't really think it's the author's intent to suggest it's the catch all solution. But instead, that if people actually exercised a little empathy to those around them and took the time to actually communicate with them on something more than a superficial level, that some of these people could be figured out before they act out. He's 100% on the money that when you really get down to brass tacks on the subject every one of these people should have been seen coming a mile away, yet somehow the people around them seemed oblivious to their plans/motives/grievances/etc.

To me it's a clear sign of the depersonalization and self-centeredness of our society today. it's more socially acceptable to giggle and point or ridicule (or even just ignore) someone that's obviously having a hard time with things than to offer a helping hand or a concerned ear. I'm not saying it's a fix all solution either but I do think that when you combine these factors with an unstable individual and the constant bombardment of our media, social media, and the "me culture" of today, it's a volatile mix.

Granted to the talented/functioning sociopath or psychopath, it still probably won't matter much as they are master manipulators, but it's a good place to start.

[izzy]

While I agree with you, that it seems a bit rainbows and butterflies, I don't really think it's the author's intent to suggest it's the catch all solution. But instead, that if people actually exercised a little empathy to those around them and took the time to actually communicate with them on something more than a superficial level, that some of these people could be figured out before they act out. He's 100% on the money that when you really get down to brass tacks on the subject every one of these people should have been seen coming a mile away, yet somehow the people around them seemed oblivious to their plans/motives/grievances/etc.

To me it's a clear sign of the depersonalization and self-centeredness of our society today. it's more socially acceptable to giggle and point or ridicule (or even just ignore) someone that's obviously having a hard time with things than to offer a helping hand or a concerned ear. I'm not saying it's a fix all solution either but I do think that when you combine these factors with an unstable individual and the constant bombardment of our media, social media, and the "me culture" of today, it's a volatile mix.

Granted to the talented/functioning sociopath or psychopath, it still probably won't matter much as they are master manipulators, but it's a good place to start.

I can definitely agree with all of that. I felt like the article ended on a bit of a "let's all hold hands" note. Actually if people were empathetic we'd solve many of the world's problems from traffic jams to your average fist fight. Unfortunately we live in a world where the misguided sociopath egomaniac is rewarded the most.

[XC700116]

I can definitely agree with all of that. I felt like the article ended on a bit of a "let's all hold hands" note. Actually if people were empathetic we'd solve many of the world's problems from traffic jams to your average fist fight. Unfortunately we live in a world where the misguided sociopath egomaniac is rewarded the most.
Sadly too true.

[Irving]

I agree with XC700116's break down of the article, as that is the way I saw it as well. Empathy is pretty important in day to day life. It's what keeps marriages together and keeps a well running team up and running at work. Sometimes you just need to vocalize your frustrations to another person. It can be rough when there is no one there.

[Gman]

We seem to be raising a bumper crop of narcissists and sociopaths. Being able to function in the world requires more than 'participation'.

[Dave_L]

I agree with XC700116's break down of the article, as that is the way I saw it as well. Empathy is pretty important in day to day life. It's what keeps marriages together and keeps a well running team up and running at work. Sometimes you just need to vocalize your frustrations to another person. It can be rough when there is no one there.

The problem is that creates personal responsibility which is outside the realm of a lot of people these days. They'd rather just make lots of laws and get back to their hashtags.

[vossman]

He spelt boogeyman wrong.

[esizer]

I think that article makes some good points about motivators.

In my opinion, the best part of his analysis was:
"Elliot Rodger didn’t become a killer because he was a misogynist; he became a misogynist because he was a killer. Just like Eric Harris didn’t become a killer because he loved violent video games; he loved violent video games because he was a killer. Just like Adam Lanza didn’t become a killer because he loved guns; he loved guns because he was a killer."

[cstone]

Good article.

Knowing some of the major causes for criminality would be a good start if there was some actual accountability by individuals and authorities. In the end, I'm afraid the melting pot is frog stew and the temperature has been raised another degree.

I know there are people who are offended when police officers walk up to them and ask simple questions. I was trained that just saying "hello" and asking someone how their day was going, can sometimes elicit valuable information. It can also convince someone who is planning on doing something wrong that they are being watched and they should postpone or look for another target. It sounds dumb, but just looking at people; making eye contact, smiling, saying "hello" can make a difference.

Treat others how you would like to be treated. Amazing wisdom... you might almost say it is golden [Coffee]

[Duman]

There's nothing new or enlightening in that article, he's stating the obvious to anyone who's been paying attention.

Regarding conversation, here's a test: the next conversation(s) you have, check yourself to see if you're fully engaged, that you allow the other person to finish their statement before you begin formulating a response or start talking. When is the last time you really asked someone a clarifying question before you offered a response? When was the last time you felt you were really understood?

Something as simple as showing interest in someone can make their day, or at the very least disrupt their OODA loop.

Empathy cannot be taught, but civility can be learned.

[TheGrey]

There's nothing new or enlightening in that article, he's stating the obvious to anyone who's been paying attention.



Ironic, considering that the article essentially stated just that. [Coffee]

[buffalobo]

Good article.

Knowing some of the major causes for criminality would be a good start if there was some actual accountability by individuals and authorities. In the end, I'm afraid the melting pot is frog stew and the temperature has been raised another degree.

I know there are people who are offended when police officers walk up to them and ask simple questions. I was trained that just saying "hello" and asking someone how their day was going, can sometimes elicit valuable information. It can also convince someone who is planning on doing something wrong that they are being watched and they should postpone or look for another target. It sounds dumb, but just looking at people; making eye contact, smiling, saying "hello" can make a difference.

Treat others how you would like to be treated. Amazing wisdom... you might almost say it is golden [Coffee]
Omagerrd, sounds like a peace officer.[emoji33]






Wish we had more like you.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[KevDen2005]

I agree with a lot of the points here but also has a skewed view on how we all need to love each other and his constantly agreeing that gun control is a valid conversation that still needs to take place.

[Pistol Packing Preacher]

"A bumper crop of Narcissists" INDEED...
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves" II Timothy 3:1-2