Post #6: Connecticut School Shooting- What Does This Event Teach us About Violence in Society?

On December 14, 2012, 20 children and 6 teachers from Sandy Hook elementary school were shot dead in a horrifying tragedy known as the Connecticut school shooting. The perpetrator of these violent attacks was a man named Adam Lanza, 52, who shot and killed his Mother as well as himself during this same day.  Something to be noted about violence in our society is that it can come about almost meaninglessly. There is undoubtedly violence throughout our society, but there is often void reasoning behind these events. For example, it’s not known for sure what Adam Lanza’s motive was leading up to the school shooting, but some believe it to be a result of his Mother “loving the children at her school more than him.” Adam Lanza’s Mother was an employee at Sandy Hook. Another interesting aspect of violence in our community is that even in times that could potentially diminish one’s faith in humanity, total faith can never be lost. For instance, the teachers that were killed during the school shooting were all trying to protect their children. One teacher, Rachel D’Avino, reported to have died shielding a student whom she had only known for one week. Therefore, whenever a violent event occurs that could lead to a loss of faith, another event of the opposite effect will occur in order to restore this faith. Thirdly, another controversial aspect of this case is whether or not violent video games had an effect. Violent video games can, of course, increase violence in those who are already violence-prone and would already potentially initiate a shooting. However, it cannot be proved that video games can be held responsible for any violence in society. Finally, after a month has passed there are Youtube videos circulating titled “Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting was a Hoax!” Perhaps a strategy for coping with violence in society is denial, but the Connecticut shooting evidently occurred and denying so would be pointless.