America readies to Judge Cho
Rizwan Ghani
April 20, 2007
Guns and knives have been and will pass through security measures. What needs to be addressed is the underlying causes.
By releasing Cho’s video NBC did what had to be done. The Guardian taking a different view (http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2061176,00.html) raised the eternal question “should killers be given air time? And as always the debate over the role of media in the “glorification of the crime” has started. It is hoped that it does not lose bigger picture and right judgments are made to have safer campuses.
After emerging successfully from intense media scrutiny in all probability Roanoke firearms owner has made National Rifle Association (NRA) proud. Reportedly, the guns were sold legally with almost no legal violation of relevant firearms sale laws.
In wake of the Florida based expert’s opinion that gun violence has in fact dropped between 1991 and 1999. Equally surprising was the information that since 99 it has remained flat. In all probability the pressure for review of country’s gun policy will eventually subside leaving NRA, White House and for that matter Democrats “off the hook”.
23 year old Cho, a Korean-American since the age of nine in his video has “unveiled” issues that have pushed America to act as judge. And in coming days there will be lot of judgments over reaction of campus security, social culture and role of VT community in the killings. However, if truth is given a chance may be the tragedy leaves us with lessons that could make our campuses safe and secure.
For a start it brings question marks over campus security. In all probability the report of independent investigation ordered by the Gov. of Virginia will bring to light much more than what is out there and might shed light on what could have saved lives in Norris Hall. Most of these details could have helped to avoid the VT tragedy: Cho’s past history, the security’s access to card-access entry record, crime scene location (building where he lived) and the delay in sending alert message.
The most important judgment that Americans might be making in coming days in all probability is going to be role of peers, peer pressure, bullying, expectations to come up to stereotype-standards set by the community, or for that matter role of students, general atmosphere of the campus and authorities in campus violence.
American media and experts from related fields will be giving their views on the VT tragedy including steps to avoid repetition of such incidents.
Here are two cases in point that might help put things in perspective provided common sense is allowed to make its case in addition to what the media, press and other experts would be feeding to their viewers.
In all probability America’s judgment is going to have far reaching consequences for the students and their guardians, institutions, and the communities. Therefore, it is time to look deep into the tragedy for lessons that help make campuses safe.
The future safety of campuses lies in facing hard questions and honest answers and will to act justly. If it can be done, America will make correct judgment.
Here are two examples with lessons that could also be useful in reaching a judegment.
Jessica, a cheerleader and A student is serving a term in Lorain county jail reportedly for murdering her son. She murdered him soon after birth and with help of her boyfriend dumped his body in a lake on the outskirt of a small Columbian town.
When asked to explain her act she admitted that she was afraid to talk to people, she was afraid to get help. She was afraid to break the “stereotype” mould. As an all-American girl, she was too scared to share her pregnancy even with her immediate family members and instead committed the ultimate act of brutality; murder.
On the other hand an under confident ordinary looking Zac, a factious character from Desperate House wives, is bullied by fellow students into howling and acting like wolves while others watched. During the series, he often thought of using gun to solve his problems.
Even as a character Zac could not bear the insult and burnt the kitchen of his girl friend’s mother who had stopped her daughter from seeing him for his weird looks.
The vocabulary used by Cho in his video is what weak, bullied and socially isolated students mostly face in their daily campus life.
In addition to common campus problems, students are expected to be ideal “stereotypes”. An expert’s profile of an ideal male stereotype in today’s world shows its challenges. The stereotype looks like a Matrix hero who has a cool girl friend, looks to kill and like any ancient “sword wielding brave heart”, holds a 9mm gun instead.
Cho’s video in all probability reflected his wish to measure up to such expectations including winning hearts that he otherwise failed to do in real life. The report of chasing girls may well have been part of his efforts to complete the stereotype image that society had set for him.
Without having an iota of inclination to defend what Cho did and by every standard it is an unforgiving act there is a need to see what can be learnt from his acts and video to help avoid repetition of similar tragedies in the future.
Similarly there is a need to review worshipping attitude towards stereotypes forcing unrealistic expectations on young minds. Something that forced Jessica to commit murder. She now is of the view that people should seek help instead of turning inwards, should admit mistakes and reject expectations to be an ideal stereotype.
In this respect community needs to review its role, equally. It should be ready to own “ordinary” kids.
Zac is only a character. His acts are primarily statistical reflection of campus activities including bullying, gun violence, and routine behavior patterns around him.
Both these incidents also show that reaching out is a two way street. If campus killers are accused of innocent killings it equally reflects on communities’ that repeatedly ignore situations leading to such tragedies and end up paying ultimate price of suffering.
Communities are quick to morn death but are unwilling to be held accountable for their roles in what goes around them. Like other investigators, social experts should also investigate the case to determine the role of campus atmosphere, authorities and the community in such tragedies.
Efforts should be made to educate communities including parents, teachers, and friends and opposite sex to avoid being part of process, that triggers such tragedies.
Similarly, authorities should play an effective role to provide a level playing field and stress free atmosphere for every student.
In different parts of America reportedly lessons from Columbine tragedy are being used as part of gun violence control strategy in which teachers spend initial few minutes chatting with the students in the class to “know latest gossips, signals, rumors”. The information is later investigated from security perspective for campus safety.
American gun violence history has shown that almost all crimes committed on the campuses were open secrets. In one case, killer’s friend who knew of his intentions drove him to the school. In another case, the shooter had murdered his family members’ hours before killing students in the university.
Finally, Guns and knives have been and will pass through security measures. What needs to be addressed is the underlying causes. And if American is ready to discuss tough questions there is all the hope to have correct judgment. Media as always has educated the public in this case, also. A picture (and a video) is worth thousand words. The aired details have shown the world the mind that was behind the tragedy. It is hoped that it will help experts across the globe to improve campus environment including safety.
By releasing Cho’s video NBC did what had to be done. The Guardian taking a different view (http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2061176,00.html) raised the eternal question “should killers be given air time? And as always the debate over the role of media in the “glorification of the crime” has started. It is hoped that it does not lose bigger picture and right judgments are made to have safer campuses.
After emerging successfully from intense media scrutiny in all probability Roanoke firearms owner has made National Rifle Association (NRA) proud. Reportedly, the guns were sold legally with almost no legal violation of relevant firearms sale laws.
In wake of the Florida based expert’s opinion that gun violence has in fact dropped between 1991 and 1999. Equally surprising was the information that since 99 it has remained flat. In all probability the pressure for review of country’s gun policy will eventually subside leaving NRA, White House and for that matter Democrats “off the hook”.
23 year old Cho, a Korean-American since the age of nine in his video has “unveiled” issues that have pushed America to act as judge. And in coming days there will be lot of judgments over reaction of campus security, social culture and role of VT community in the killings. However, if truth is given a chance may be the tragedy leaves us with lessons that could make our campuses safe and secure.
For a start it brings question marks over campus security. In all probability the report of independent investigation ordered by the Gov. of Virginia will bring to light much more than what is out there and might shed light on what could have saved lives in Norris Hall. Most of these details could have helped to avoid the VT tragedy: Cho’s past history, the security’s access to card-access entry record, crime scene location (building where he lived) and the delay in sending alert message.
The most important judgment that Americans might be making in coming days in all probability is going to be role of peers, peer pressure, bullying, expectations to come up to stereotype-standards set by the community, or for that matter role of students, general atmosphere of the campus and authorities in campus violence.
American media and experts from related fields will be giving their views on the VT tragedy including steps to avoid repetition of such incidents.
Here are two cases in point that might help put things in perspective provided common sense is allowed to make its case in addition to what the media, press and other experts would be feeding to their viewers.
In all probability America’s judgment is going to have far reaching consequences for the students and their guardians, institutions, and the communities. Therefore, it is time to look deep into the tragedy for lessons that help make campuses safe.
The future safety of campuses lies in facing hard questions and honest answers and will to act justly. If it can be done, America will make correct judgment.
Here are two examples with lessons that could also be useful in reaching a judegment.
Jessica, a cheerleader and A student is serving a term in Lorain county jail reportedly for murdering her son. She murdered him soon after birth and with help of her boyfriend dumped his body in a lake on the outskirt of a small Columbian town.
When asked to explain her act she admitted that she was afraid to talk to people, she was afraid to get help. She was afraid to break the “stereotype” mould. As an all-American girl, she was too scared to share her pregnancy even with her immediate family members and instead committed the ultimate act of brutality; murder.
On the other hand an under confident ordinary looking Zac, a factious character from Desperate House wives, is bullied by fellow students into howling and acting like wolves while others watched. During the series, he often thought of using gun to solve his problems.
Even as a character Zac could not bear the insult and burnt the kitchen of his girl friend’s mother who had stopped her daughter from seeing him for his weird looks.
The vocabulary used by Cho in his video is what weak, bullied and socially isolated students mostly face in their daily campus life.
In addition to common campus problems, students are expected to be ideal “stereotypes”. An expert’s profile of an ideal male stereotype in today’s world shows its challenges. The stereotype looks like a Matrix hero who has a cool girl friend, looks to kill and like any ancient “sword wielding brave heart”, holds a 9mm gun instead.
Cho’s video in all probability reflected his wish to measure up to such expectations including winning hearts that he otherwise failed to do in real life. The report of chasing girls may well have been part of his efforts to complete the stereotype image that society had set for him.
Without having an iota of inclination to defend what Cho did and by every standard it is an unforgiving act there is a need to see what can be learnt from his acts and video to help avoid repetition of similar tragedies in the future.
Similarly there is a need to review worshipping attitude towards stereotypes forcing unrealistic expectations on young minds. Something that forced Jessica to commit murder. She now is of the view that people should seek help instead of turning inwards, should admit mistakes and reject expectations to be an ideal stereotype.
In this respect community needs to review its role, equally. It should be ready to own “ordinary” kids.
Zac is only a character. His acts are primarily statistical reflection of campus activities including bullying, gun violence, and routine behavior patterns around him.
Both these incidents also show that reaching out is a two way street. If campus killers are accused of innocent killings it equally reflects on communities’ that repeatedly ignore situations leading to such tragedies and end up paying ultimate price of suffering.
Communities are quick to morn death but are unwilling to be held accountable for their roles in what goes around them. Like other investigators, social experts should also investigate the case to determine the role of campus atmosphere, authorities and the community in such tragedies.
Efforts should be made to educate communities including parents, teachers, and friends and opposite sex to avoid being part of process, that triggers such tragedies.
Similarly, authorities should play an effective role to provide a level playing field and stress free atmosphere for every student.
In different parts of America reportedly lessons from Columbine tragedy are being used as part of gun violence control strategy in which teachers spend initial few minutes chatting with the students in the class to “know latest gossips, signals, rumors”. The information is later investigated from security perspective for campus safety.
American gun violence history has shown that almost all crimes committed on the campuses were open secrets. In one case, killer’s friend who knew of his intentions drove him to the school. In another case, the shooter had murdered his family members’ hours before killing students in the university.
Finally, Guns and knives have been and will pass through security measures. What needs to be addressed is the underlying causes. And if American is ready to discuss tough questions there is all the hope to have correct judgment. Media as always has educated the public in this case, also. A picture (and a video) is worth thousand words. The aired details have shown the world the mind that was behind the tragedy. It is hoped that it will help experts across the globe to improve campus environment including safety.
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