Shootings in the U.S

It definitely seems to be the case that most, if not all, of the people responsible for mass shootings in the U.S are young men. Inevitably people always question "why" and "how" and try to devise of ways to stop it, with the most common suggestion being stricter gun laws. I can see some merit in that, but I don't think it is the answer. The first things that come to my mind when I think of this issue are the variables involved, of which there are many. I think of the people who have committed these shootings and what personally lead them to do that. It is impossible not to notice the patterns and commonalities which almost always seem to be present.

The most significant components seem to be an overwhelming dissatisfaction with everything and complete disdain for the rest of society.

These individuals have *probably* been bullied throughout their middle and high school years, or have at the very least been social outcasts. They may lack a good network of people to set them on the right path, or don't feel that they can tell anyone about their problems and even harbor feelings of animosity toward those closest to them. It seems they don't seek out proper relations with people, or don't utilize the relationships they do have to become better and more balanced individuals. In addition, they lack direction in life and likely don't have any ambitions or plans for their future. They have clearly come to see other people as worthless, and life as meaningless.

Also, from what I have read, the use of SSRI medication on adolescents seems to come with a risk of psychosis and can lead to violent behaviours.

I don't think there is an easy answer, and some of the things that I think would help contradict other ideas that I have about society and how kids should be able to function in school life. I have contemplated that kids should be encouraged to be more open and inclusive toward peers that don't necessarily fit in. However, this idea is impractical and I think that in many ways, the sooner we adjust to not always fitting in and being "liked" the better. Ultimately, these things can and should be used to make you a stronger and more resilient person. You shouldn't try to be liked by everyone and even if you're not friends with many (or perhaps any) people, you should persevere and focus on the things that you enjoy and that you want to do with your life. At the same time though, we should want to seek out relations with people we want to get to know more and feel we have something in common with. The way these young men could help themselves would be by trying to relate to other people and looking at the world around them, instead of focusing almost entirely on themselves and the way they feel. It's great to look inside oneself and to consider one's wishes when it is a matter of positive growth and development, but continually feeling sorry for yourself and blaming other people is a horrible and deeply unhelpful trait. These shooters seem to possess all the worst characteristics of teenage and adolescent angst and have manifested them in the most destructive and deadly way.

Adogslife · 61-69, M

It’s primarily disenfranchised young white males. Perhaps they’ve realized that their white privilege card has expired.

More mothers work than decades ago. More homes lack a father figure to use as an example. Schools fear being sued, so punishments no longer exist outside the home. Teachers have been emasculated. Kids spend way too much time on the internet and gaming versus social interaction outside with real people.

All are factors BEFORE appropriate gun control laws. Ease of obtaining a semiautomatic weapon needs to be harder, NOT disallowed.

Example: I have a driver’s license. It does not allow me to operate a motorcycle nor does it allow me to drive a semi/tractor trailer. Those require different licensing because they require different skills.

Simply grandfather in current owners and make ownership in the future dependent on age and demonstrated skill. If you bring the age of ownership past the primary age of risk, you better society’s odds.

SW-User

@Adogslife There is no such thing as "white privilege" lol.

I agree with your comment about how things have changed at home though. Single parent families are far more prevalent and more mothers are working demanding jobs, which isn't necessarily a good thing for society or indeed for their own families.

Anon066 · 31-35, M

@SW-User i don't think it's correct to say there's no such as white privilege, but i strongly agree it doesn't exist in the way it's discussed now. All demographics come with privileges, whether it's white or black, man or woman, gay or straight etc. And while those are the traits people use to assign privilege they're very far from the most important. Wealth privilege is by far the most impactful. Attractiveness, intelligence, a strong family, health etc are all drastically larger variables. John mcwhorter once pointed out he thinks having bad acne would be more of a disadvantage than being black, which i thought was a good example. Race is a tiny factor when it comes to privilege.