The document discusses the potential psychological dangers for young spectators at bullfights. It raises concerns that witnessing the graphic violence against animals could cause trauma in children or encourage habituation to violence. While some claim culture or rituals protect children, the document argues bullfighting violence serves no vital purpose and is difficult for non-experts like children to comprehend. Allowing children at bullfights may threaten their development and trust in adults.
Gordon McManus Ch 8 & 9 'From Communism to Schizophrenia'Andrew Voyce MA
Summary of two chapters in Gordon's book written by Peter Chadwick. Peter writes of male stereotyping and stigma, also alienation, the social construct of reality, statistics and the cost of mental illness. He also writes on psychotic episodes.
This document discusses the harms of emotional and psychic bullying. It describes how bullies aim to diminish their victims' self-worth and confidence through subtle and covert psychological manipulation over time. The bullying causes trauma and long-term mental health issues for victims, including depression, PTSD, and loss of self. The document raises awareness about the pervasive and destructive nature of bullying, and argues that societies must develop greater understanding of emotional violence in order to curb these abusive behaviors.
Enigmatic Nature of Suicide May Answer the Question "Why?"Franklin Cook
1) Survivors of suicide often struggle to understand why their loved one died by suicide and search for answers to explain the tragedy. However, every suicide involves some element of mystery as suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be complex and contradictory.
2) While factors like depression, addiction, and other mental illnesses may have contributed and provide some understanding, suicide ultimately stems from unbearable inner pain that the deceased believed could only be relieved by death.
3) Accepting some aspects of the suicide as unknowable and focusing on the relationship with the deceased rather than searching endlessly for causes may provide survivors with greater peace of mind and understanding.
Suicide is a public health issue. Media and online coverage of suicide should be informed by using best practices. Some suicide deaths may be newsworthy. However, the way media covers suicide can influence behavior negatively by contributing to contagion or positively by encouraging help-seeking.
Suicide Contagion or “Copycat Suicide” occurs when one or more suicides are reported in a way that contributes to another suicide.
Self destructive behaviors and survivors of suicidesbuffo
This document discusses self-destructive behavior and suicide. It defines self-destructive behavior and explains that it is often a form of self-punishment or learned behavior. It then lists common types of self-destructive behaviors like self-harm, substance abuse, and risky behaviors. The document discusses myths and facts related to suicide and explains the common elements, emotions, and cognitive states involved in suicidal thoughts and acts. It also discusses the impact of suicide on survivors and how to help survivors cope and heal from the suicide of a loved one.
Suicide, it’s importance, global burden, burden of suicide in India, theories of suicide, it’s prevention, psychiatric co-morbidities associated with suicide, its treatment
The document discusses the potential psychological dangers for young spectators at bullfights. It raises concerns that witnessing the graphic violence against animals could cause trauma in children or encourage habituation to violence. While some claim culture or rituals protect children, the document argues bullfighting violence serves no vital purpose and is difficult for non-experts like children to comprehend. Allowing children at bullfights may threaten their development and trust in adults.
Gordon McManus Ch 8 & 9 'From Communism to Schizophrenia'Andrew Voyce MA
Summary of two chapters in Gordon's book written by Peter Chadwick. Peter writes of male stereotyping and stigma, also alienation, the social construct of reality, statistics and the cost of mental illness. He also writes on psychotic episodes.
This document discusses the harms of emotional and psychic bullying. It describes how bullies aim to diminish their victims' self-worth and confidence through subtle and covert psychological manipulation over time. The bullying causes trauma and long-term mental health issues for victims, including depression, PTSD, and loss of self. The document raises awareness about the pervasive and destructive nature of bullying, and argues that societies must develop greater understanding of emotional violence in order to curb these abusive behaviors.
Enigmatic Nature of Suicide May Answer the Question "Why?"Franklin Cook
1) Survivors of suicide often struggle to understand why their loved one died by suicide and search for answers to explain the tragedy. However, every suicide involves some element of mystery as suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be complex and contradictory.
2) While factors like depression, addiction, and other mental illnesses may have contributed and provide some understanding, suicide ultimately stems from unbearable inner pain that the deceased believed could only be relieved by death.
3) Accepting some aspects of the suicide as unknowable and focusing on the relationship with the deceased rather than searching endlessly for causes may provide survivors with greater peace of mind and understanding.
Suicide is a public health issue. Media and online coverage of suicide should be informed by using best practices. Some suicide deaths may be newsworthy. However, the way media covers suicide can influence behavior negatively by contributing to contagion or positively by encouraging help-seeking.
Suicide Contagion or “Copycat Suicide” occurs when one or more suicides are reported in a way that contributes to another suicide.
Self destructive behaviors and survivors of suicidesbuffo
This document discusses self-destructive behavior and suicide. It defines self-destructive behavior and explains that it is often a form of self-punishment or learned behavior. It then lists common types of self-destructive behaviors like self-harm, substance abuse, and risky behaviors. The document discusses myths and facts related to suicide and explains the common elements, emotions, and cognitive states involved in suicidal thoughts and acts. It also discusses the impact of suicide on survivors and how to help survivors cope and heal from the suicide of a loved one.
Suicide, it’s importance, global burden, burden of suicide in India, theories of suicide, it’s prevention, psychiatric co-morbidities associated with suicide, its treatment
"The Nature of Suicide Bereavement" is excerpted and adapted from "Responding to Grief, Trauma, and Distress After a Suicide: U.S. National Guidelines" (2015), by the Survivors of Suicide Loss Task Force (http://bit.ly/sosl-taskforce) of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. The original document is available free for download at http://bit.ly/respondingsuicide.
The Grief After Suicide blog post related to this essay is at http://bit.ly/griefunique.
This document provides an overview of social learning theory as it applies to serial killers. It discusses how serial killers often experienced severe childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma which shaped their distorted view that violence is acceptable. This view is then reinforced when serial killers enjoy the fame and attention from extensive media coverage of their crimes, which validates their identity. While nature and nurture both play a role, social learning theory suggests serial killers learn that violence is socially acceptable through these traumatic childhood experiences and seeing their crimes glorified in the media.
A Reassessment of the Rising Tide of Suicide in Contemporary Nigerian Society...AJSSMTJournal
This paper undertakes a reassessment of the rising incidence of suicide contemporary Nigerian society in the light of
Immanuel Kant’s proposition. Throughout history, suicide has evoked an astonishingly wide range of reactions ranging from
bafflement, dismissal, heroic glorification, sympathy, anger, to moral and religious condemnation - but it has never been
uncontroversial. Suicide is now an object of multidisciplinary scientific study with sociology, anthropology, psychology and
psychiatry each providing important insights into suicide. Nonetheless, many of the most controversial questions surrounding
suicide are philosophical. For philosophers, suicide raises a host of conceptual, moral, and psychological questions. Among
these questions are: What makes a person's behaviour suicidal? What motivates such behaviour? Is suicide morally
permissible, or even morally required in some extraordinary circumstances? Is suicidal behaviour rational? Considering the
rising spate of suicide in Nigeria in the last decade, this study seeks to employ the Kantian proposition to investigate the
causes and consequences of suicide in Nigeria with a view to proffering solutions. Kant maintains that an agent who takes his
own life acts in violation of the moral law; suicide is therefore totally wrong. He maintains that killing oneself when life goes
ill is wrong. It is this Kantian position that this paper uses to reassess the rationality of the rising spate of suicide in Nigeria.
The study employed the qualitative research approach by relying mainly on secondary sources for data. Thereafter, the
expository and critical methods were used for analysis. The paper surmised that despite the arguments for and against the
morality of suicide, a deeper reflection reveals that suicide is a crime against humanity and degrades human dignity, and
should be dissuaded.
This document summarizes notes about mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder. It discusses high suicide rates among those with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Firearms are a highly lethal method of suicide. The document outlines symptoms of bipolar disorder like suicidal thoughts, addictions, spending binges, and difficulty with relationships. It provides tips for managing bipolar disorder like maintaining stable routines, exercise, social support, and avoiding firearms.
This document discusses suicide, including definitions, myths and facts, statistics, methods, and inpatient suicide. It defines suicide and related terms. It addresses common myths, such as that talking about suicide encourages it or that suicidal individuals are determined to die. Facts presented include that the majority of suicides are preceded by warning signs, mental disorders are not required for suicidal thoughts, and suicide risk is often temporary. Statistics provided on rates by age, gender, following divorce or hospital discharge. Common methods are also outlined.
The document discusses Durkheim's sociological theories on suicide. Durkheim established that suicide rates are higher among certain demographic groups, such as men, singles, the unmarried, Protestants. He identified four main types of suicide: egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic. The document then discusses reasons for and statistics on suicide in Pakistan, ways it is committed, effects on survivors, and strategies for prevention.
Toward an understanding of the dark side of the serial killerNyi Maw
This document discusses the psychological processes involved in the development of serial killers. It suggests that serial killers develop a "dark side" or separate identity through dissociation and fantasy. Through intense fantasy to avoid pain, their fantasies take on increased reality and influence over time. This creates two opposing identities within the individual - a normal one and a "dark side" driven by anger and revenge. Significant effort is made to separate these identities to maintain a normal appearance. However, over time the dark side grows stronger through its gratification in fantasy, demanding more of the individual's attention and creating tension between the two identities. This can result in the dark side taking control and driving the individual to commit violent acts.
The document discusses conceptualizing stigma using a 5-component model of stigma proposed by Link and Phelan (2001). The components are discrimination, status loss, separation, stereotyping, and labeling. It is noted that the components do not need to occur in a specific sequence for stigma to be present. Examples are provided to illustrate how stigma can occur through social processes even without direct discrimination of individuals. The psychology of both the stigmatized and stigmatizing individuals is examined. Various research on stigma related to HIV/AIDS is summarized. Educational approaches and strategies for addressing stigma using the model are explored.
The document discusses a mass shooting that occurred in Carson City, Nevada. The author believes people are fascinated by murderers because we try to understand what differentiates their brains from normal people. They also question what mental illness, if any, could have caused the shooter's extreme actions, noting that conditions like depression and bipolar disorder are common and unlikely sole causes. The author hopes for a better understanding of the psychological and physiological factors that create murderers.
The document summarizes several sources that discuss what triggers evil actions in people. Source 3 describes a psychology experiment conducted at Stanford University where participants took on roles as prisoners or guards and the guards gradually became crueler as they embraced their roles. Source 6 discusses how American society has become desensitized to violence through media portrayals and how this normalizes violence. The sources presented various perspectives on what triggers evil, including genetic factors, brain biology, mental illness, media influence, public policy, and the glorification of violence.
From Spring 2014 Course - Soc 1194: Muliticide at Columbus State Community College. This lecture is part of a larger course investigating the causes and characteristics of multiple homicide offenders in the U.S.
This document provides information and resources for supporting those who have lost someone to suicide ("survivors"). It discusses common survivor experiences like shock, intense emotions, questioning why it happened, and feelings of guilt. It also outlines reactions to traumatic experiences like distressing thoughts/images, avoidance, and hypervigilance. The document notes signs that warrant professional referral such as loss of emotional control, depression/trauma lasting weeks, and inability to function. Finally, it discusses survivors' needs like help validating their loss, managing triggers, retelling the story, and adjusting to changes, as well as the risk of suicidal thoughts among survivors.
The document discusses suicide, including its definition, causes, methods, warning signs, prevention, and treatment. Some key points include:
- Suicide is defined as a deliberate act of self-harm resulting in death.
- Common causes of suicide include depression, substance abuse, family/relationship problems, bullying, and medical illness.
- Common methods are poisoning, hanging, drowning, jumping in front of trains, and shooting.
- Warning signs include previous attempts, suicidal talk, and personality changes.
- Prevention involves education/awareness, safety measures, and crisis hotlines.
- Treatment options are hospitalization, medication, therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy.
Travel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International TravelersNX Healthcare
Travel Clinic Cardiff offers comprehensive travel health services, including vaccinations, travel advice, and preventive care for international travelers. Our expert team ensures you are well-prepared and protected for your journey, providing personalized consultations tailored to your destination. Conveniently located in Cardiff, we help you travel with confidence and peace of mind. Visit us: www.nxhealthcare.co.uk
"The Nature of Suicide Bereavement" is excerpted and adapted from "Responding to Grief, Trauma, and Distress After a Suicide: U.S. National Guidelines" (2015), by the Survivors of Suicide Loss Task Force (http://bit.ly/sosl-taskforce) of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. The original document is available free for download at http://bit.ly/respondingsuicide.
The Grief After Suicide blog post related to this essay is at http://bit.ly/griefunique.
This document provides an overview of social learning theory as it applies to serial killers. It discusses how serial killers often experienced severe childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma which shaped their distorted view that violence is acceptable. This view is then reinforced when serial killers enjoy the fame and attention from extensive media coverage of their crimes, which validates their identity. While nature and nurture both play a role, social learning theory suggests serial killers learn that violence is socially acceptable through these traumatic childhood experiences and seeing their crimes glorified in the media.
A Reassessment of the Rising Tide of Suicide in Contemporary Nigerian Society...AJSSMTJournal
This paper undertakes a reassessment of the rising incidence of suicide contemporary Nigerian society in the light of
Immanuel Kant’s proposition. Throughout history, suicide has evoked an astonishingly wide range of reactions ranging from
bafflement, dismissal, heroic glorification, sympathy, anger, to moral and religious condemnation - but it has never been
uncontroversial. Suicide is now an object of multidisciplinary scientific study with sociology, anthropology, psychology and
psychiatry each providing important insights into suicide. Nonetheless, many of the most controversial questions surrounding
suicide are philosophical. For philosophers, suicide raises a host of conceptual, moral, and psychological questions. Among
these questions are: What makes a person's behaviour suicidal? What motivates such behaviour? Is suicide morally
permissible, or even morally required in some extraordinary circumstances? Is suicidal behaviour rational? Considering the
rising spate of suicide in Nigeria in the last decade, this study seeks to employ the Kantian proposition to investigate the
causes and consequences of suicide in Nigeria with a view to proffering solutions. Kant maintains that an agent who takes his
own life acts in violation of the moral law; suicide is therefore totally wrong. He maintains that killing oneself when life goes
ill is wrong. It is this Kantian position that this paper uses to reassess the rationality of the rising spate of suicide in Nigeria.
The study employed the qualitative research approach by relying mainly on secondary sources for data. Thereafter, the
expository and critical methods were used for analysis. The paper surmised that despite the arguments for and against the
morality of suicide, a deeper reflection reveals that suicide is a crime against humanity and degrades human dignity, and
should be dissuaded.
This document summarizes notes about mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder. It discusses high suicide rates among those with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Firearms are a highly lethal method of suicide. The document outlines symptoms of bipolar disorder like suicidal thoughts, addictions, spending binges, and difficulty with relationships. It provides tips for managing bipolar disorder like maintaining stable routines, exercise, social support, and avoiding firearms.
This document discusses suicide, including definitions, myths and facts, statistics, methods, and inpatient suicide. It defines suicide and related terms. It addresses common myths, such as that talking about suicide encourages it or that suicidal individuals are determined to die. Facts presented include that the majority of suicides are preceded by warning signs, mental disorders are not required for suicidal thoughts, and suicide risk is often temporary. Statistics provided on rates by age, gender, following divorce or hospital discharge. Common methods are also outlined.
The document discusses Durkheim's sociological theories on suicide. Durkheim established that suicide rates are higher among certain demographic groups, such as men, singles, the unmarried, Protestants. He identified four main types of suicide: egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic. The document then discusses reasons for and statistics on suicide in Pakistan, ways it is committed, effects on survivors, and strategies for prevention.
Toward an understanding of the dark side of the serial killerNyi Maw
This document discusses the psychological processes involved in the development of serial killers. It suggests that serial killers develop a "dark side" or separate identity through dissociation and fantasy. Through intense fantasy to avoid pain, their fantasies take on increased reality and influence over time. This creates two opposing identities within the individual - a normal one and a "dark side" driven by anger and revenge. Significant effort is made to separate these identities to maintain a normal appearance. However, over time the dark side grows stronger through its gratification in fantasy, demanding more of the individual's attention and creating tension between the two identities. This can result in the dark side taking control and driving the individual to commit violent acts.
The document discusses conceptualizing stigma using a 5-component model of stigma proposed by Link and Phelan (2001). The components are discrimination, status loss, separation, stereotyping, and labeling. It is noted that the components do not need to occur in a specific sequence for stigma to be present. Examples are provided to illustrate how stigma can occur through social processes even without direct discrimination of individuals. The psychology of both the stigmatized and stigmatizing individuals is examined. Various research on stigma related to HIV/AIDS is summarized. Educational approaches and strategies for addressing stigma using the model are explored.
The document discusses a mass shooting that occurred in Carson City, Nevada. The author believes people are fascinated by murderers because we try to understand what differentiates their brains from normal people. They also question what mental illness, if any, could have caused the shooter's extreme actions, noting that conditions like depression and bipolar disorder are common and unlikely sole causes. The author hopes for a better understanding of the psychological and physiological factors that create murderers.
The document summarizes several sources that discuss what triggers evil actions in people. Source 3 describes a psychology experiment conducted at Stanford University where participants took on roles as prisoners or guards and the guards gradually became crueler as they embraced their roles. Source 6 discusses how American society has become desensitized to violence through media portrayals and how this normalizes violence. The sources presented various perspectives on what triggers evil, including genetic factors, brain biology, mental illness, media influence, public policy, and the glorification of violence.
From Spring 2014 Course - Soc 1194: Muliticide at Columbus State Community College. This lecture is part of a larger course investigating the causes and characteristics of multiple homicide offenders in the U.S.
This document provides information and resources for supporting those who have lost someone to suicide ("survivors"). It discusses common survivor experiences like shock, intense emotions, questioning why it happened, and feelings of guilt. It also outlines reactions to traumatic experiences like distressing thoughts/images, avoidance, and hypervigilance. The document notes signs that warrant professional referral such as loss of emotional control, depression/trauma lasting weeks, and inability to function. Finally, it discusses survivors' needs like help validating their loss, managing triggers, retelling the story, and adjusting to changes, as well as the risk of suicidal thoughts among survivors.
The document discusses suicide, including its definition, causes, methods, warning signs, prevention, and treatment. Some key points include:
- Suicide is defined as a deliberate act of self-harm resulting in death.
- Common causes of suicide include depression, substance abuse, family/relationship problems, bullying, and medical illness.
- Common methods are poisoning, hanging, drowning, jumping in front of trains, and shooting.
- Warning signs include previous attempts, suicidal talk, and personality changes.
- Prevention involves education/awareness, safety measures, and crisis hotlines.
- Treatment options are hospitalization, medication, therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy.
Travel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International TravelersNX Healthcare
Travel Clinic Cardiff offers comprehensive travel health services, including vaccinations, travel advice, and preventive care for international travelers. Our expert team ensures you are well-prepared and protected for your journey, providing personalized consultations tailored to your destination. Conveniently located in Cardiff, we help you travel with confidence and peace of mind. Visit us: www.nxhealthcare.co.uk
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2. phenomenon" rather than mental illness. Does this mean that mass shooters are rational in what they
do? - un-mentally ill? - just extremely angry? Think about going where people are congregated and
murdering as many strangers as possible because of "grievances". Sounds like abnormal behavior to me
- or is it idiosyncratic, or individual preference, or sociocultural.
I do not follow the news of mass shooters save from the periphery but perpetrators who were
perniciously mentally ill come to mind such as Adam Lanza (Sandy Hook Elementary school 2012) and
James E Holmes (Aurora theater 2012). How about serial killers - are they just "normal" but angry
people? And to understand the Las Vegas killer Stephen Paddock: I have to kill these people because...
There must be a sensible reason for him to have transgressed all that is prohibited and profane and often
referred to as 'evil'. The dude must have needed anger management! After a mass shooting, it is also
strange and misleading to the public for the news media inevitably to note that a 'motive' for the killings
is 'still under investigation' as if a motive exists which can provide understanding.
A perpetrator may have been seen as having 'kept to himself', as a loner (if 'seen' at all - i.e, functionally
uncared for in private life and unnoticed in public life), as volatile, and/or as attracted to violence. A
person with mental illness does not necessarily behave in stereotypy and a superficial appearance of a
mundane presentation does not preclude mental illness. Also, serious mental illness is hardly only
schizophrenia. In an increasingly speeding cyber age with changed and changing ways of living, the
underpinings for personal psychology and mental illness must incorporate a new psychologic and
psychiatric landscape of desensitization, numbing, media violence, media dominance, aloneness,
bewilderment, anonymity, ANOMIE, nihilism, decline of religion to serve as stricture, painful nuclear
family upheaval, daycare wardship, marginal parenting, anxiety, perpetual stress - especially financial,
severe frustration(s) as a daily routine of contemporary existence, a fearful and resentful sense of
powerlessness, inchoate world view(s), survivalist narcissism, and failure of communal self adjusting
curbs on ideation. Paradigms of psychopathology must adjust for contingencies that characterize
experience and affect mental and emotional health as a matter of contemporary realities - i.e., modern-
type mental illness(es).
If mass shooters do not have mental illness, how about a moment of insanity, many moments of insanity
- eg, during the detail of planning - building up to execution, sometimes 'enjoying' or being dispassionate
to the deadliness, or better yet, failing to grasp the turpitude in what they do. If not mentally ill,
persons in the fantasy and planning modes of mass shooting who may hope to shoot as many living units
as possible would have time to consider how terribly abominable their motives are and ultimately how
terribly wrong their plans. But they are in the throes of emotion over which they lack control, want to
cancel life, often their own as well, and make others feel pain as do they - and worse. Technically, some
mass shooters may 'know' what they are doing, the here and now of it, but merciless violent fantasy,
emotion, and proclivity to kill are beyond their control. They are mesmerized by mayhem. They are
likely in a state of extremely uncomfortable dysphoria, even if there is a veneer of superficial neutralism
or detachment. Only a collossal shattering event is seen to alleviate or resolve it. They are crazed. The
process is gradual wherein options become drastically dwindled and dark. They need to kill to be a
close-up personal witness to a horror and grief - of others - that they get to cause. They need to get
control, be 'somebody', even the score on wretchedness, own the power, be recognized/acknowledged,
3. and match their forlorness with commensurate scale.
Pres Trump brought up the need for facilties to harbor those who cannot function safely in society or be
responsible citizens for themselves or for others in their conduct, or, eg, with medication compliance.
Now the mentally ill are greatly unchecked and greatly uncared for, especially thanks to institutional
closings. Worse yet, we can't know many if not most of the mentally ill because we are a cyber society
anonymous to ea other - even within a single household. I'm reminded of Dylan KLebold's (Colombine
'99) parents being reported as apparently oblivious (unmindful?) to his plans and the guns he was
stocking in his room even as his manner of dress within the context of his life at the time was itself a
matter for curiosity and concern. I remember arguing with my now deceased father at the time
Colombine happened that Colombine was to be a watershed for mass shootings. I've recently seen that
there is a video game called Super Colombine Massacre. This leads me to ask in rhetorical amazement:
who is sick(est) - the mass shooter, the maker and distributer of such a game, or the adults who play or
allow play of such a 'game' for younger persons. Think of walking around with the satisfaction and thrill
of virtually having massacred a lot of high school students.
On video games and mass shootings:
Pres Trump also made comments about violence in video gaming - the painting of heinous game imagery
and purpose - within the games - on the mental canvas of players. There is also a cornucopia of graphic
violence for violence's sake in media in general. Many objected to the President's comments, some
citing studies, and said that immersion in violence gaming does not have ill effect, or no big ill effect, on
persons. Some research has concluded that young persons are mildly more aggressive after playing
violent video games. This is circumstantial as to whether violent video gamers are more likely to enact a
mass shooting. The key issue is what is in a repertoire of experience, conditioning, and memory when
conflict to a person of poor emotional competence feels extreme, i.e., when emotion and desperation
reach a breaking point.
Video games may not cause mass shootings. Most mass shooters reportedly were not violent video
gamers though they likely may have been otherwise attracted to violence and violence in media.
Violent video games DO give shooters the idea of what shooting a lot of people is 'like' - just as simulated
flying shows pilots what and how to do. If a misfitting person is angry - at parents, lack of same,
teachers, bullying, cruelty, emotional neglect, lack of attention, workplace difficulties, etc, etc, video
games of murder certainly facilitate an avenue of relief and a template for when derangement hits an
inflection point. It is in the human psyche and culture to kill and/or want to kill - even as when someone
innocently intones "I'll kill you" in anger or in pleasant foolery. But with video games and movies, it is a
diet - you are what you eat and you are what you are moved to pursue - as in rape, torture, and as many
dead bodies as possible on a screen. A person is CONDITIONED to solace and reward through violence
and killing. Recently I saw a Gamespot forum in which a long thread of discussion concerned persons
wanting to know if there were any games in which babies could be killed.
A vulnerable and unhappy, even rageful person looks around and sees no recourse or oasis of safety,
love, stability. If the world is frightening to that person and he/she wants to escape or resolve the fright,
4. if he/she has disordered thinking by virtue of temperament or sociocultural environment, if he/she
craves notice and acknowledgement, if he/she hates, - the experience of video gaming supplies memory
and an impetus to respond as trained in practice. [There is also the frustration of violent video gamers
who, though they have the template, do feel personally inhibited to obliterate what they feel is in their
way.] This is all simultaneous with psychiatric issues for young persons being on an increase. Persons
can become so deeply attached to cyber space - gaming or otherwise - that reality becomes a kind of
footnote to experience. The gaming community has spoken about gamers being so addicted to gaming
that they lose all sense of reality. Several gamers have died due to many hours of non-stop play.
It has been well noted that a young person has a developing capacity to know the difference between
fantasy and reality. It is also well noted that modeling is a powerful influence on behavior. Young and
older persons imitate what they see. Young persons are attracted to and/or involved with fantasy to a
lesser or greater extent and they decidedly imitate what they see in real time and real life. If advertising
is so effective, why aren't video games.
There is often little social community for persons, often no communal eating or extended recurring
communal experience, and often latchkey or effective latchkey existences for young persons; nor is
society focused on youth except for what to sell to and for them. And we kill unborn, sometimes born or
near-born, babies, and sell their parts, don't we? We are in the clockwork orange-Alvin Toffler-
atomizing-'future now'. If something in a tv or youtube commercial has appeal to one's getting relief or
feling better or good, does not the killing and decimation achieved in a murderous virtual game supply
significant reward/satisfaction and increase the chance of more of the same response. That is especially
so if developmentally fantasy and reality are not too distinct or if fantasy rules. When an unbalanced
person, becomes desperately in need of gratiation, what might he/she do. We cannot expect relatively
cicumscribed or tenuous minds, because of taboo, to have no trouble emotionally isolating the joy and
relief of killing people who may, eg, feed a frustration or 'deserve it'. Video game killing tears away at
the societal prohibition of murder.
Mass shooting is such a problem in the US because of the breakdown of family and communities,
together with digitalism, wherein persons do not know or repeat-see each other on a daily interactional
and observational basis. Persons interact virtually, often anonymously. We cannot know who's who or
what's what. Close community serves as an 'adjuster' of ideation according to community norms. In
relatively cohesive society the 'unadjusted' stick out like sore thumbs. Since community controls
ideation, community disappearance with little to nothing in its stead makes fertile ground for deviancy.
To the emotionally disadvantaged person, cyber reality is an extremely poor guide or foundation.
Further, it is not 'deviant' to kill mercilessly in video games. It is a reward to self and from others.
All in all, in assessing the effect of cyber games of violence, we have conveniently forgotten about
branding, CONDITIONING, displacement, projection, etc, and the fact that cyber reality is fantasy at its
finest and most compelling.
As we keep feeding persons poison cyber thrills, fantasy will continue to become ever more reality. I
also remember Vietnam veterans tell me that killing a person is a thrill and that once you do it, you want