2008 Woodie Awards
The Bengal View:
Violence and learning
Melinda Christensen
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: News
Throughout the 60s and 70s protests, marches, sit-ins and walk-outs grew in popularity as a call for social awareness and responsibility. Universities became a hot spot for these activities, and despite the efforts of peaceful protest, these demonstrations occasionally resulted in violence. Generally, the rioting and chaos was quickly suppressed.
A few isolated shootings occurred on campuses throughout these two decades, but nothing comparable to prevalence of current shootings. While protesters displayed their message clearly, the motives for these modern shootings are ambiguous. Shrouded in mental instability and pressure these attacks leave the public in shock and horror trying to figure out what triggers such behavior. What does this new trend of mass killing and suicide suggest about our society and our centers of learning?
After reviewing a number of shootings that occurred on campuses in the United States, a few trends seem obvious. Men seem the dominate perpetrators of this growing violence. In fact, it seems only one incident exists of a female committing a similar act. Last month in Louisiana at a technical college. According to a recent AP article, the female shooter, Latina Williams, opened fire in an emergency medical technology class, emptied the revolver, reloaded and then shot herself. In the process she killed two classmates, both female. Most of the shooters are between the ages of 20 and 30, and chose classrooms or areas on campus they are familiar with.
Unfortunately, this does not provide any insight into what motivates these shootings. Jennie Williams, mother of Latina Williams, recently released a statement through the Baton Rouge Police Department stating, "In this tragedy, just like you, we have many questions but no answers. As Latina's mother, I will not try to rationalize or make excuses for her action. It was wrong."
While I think we can all agree that this course of action is wrong, what can be done to prevent these shootings? Some have suggested better campus security and handgun control as two methods of prevention. This does not necessarily address the problem which seems to be a sweeping epidemic of failing mental stability. The reasons for this failure are likely to be far more diverse than the scope of this editorial; however, as college students we can probably agree that the stress load can be daunting.
Feeling overwhelmed can be a common part of student life and facing failure can make that equation even more tenuous. Students are more commonly juggling not just class loads but also work and family responsibilities. When faced with the struggles of a daunting schedule, competing priorities and overwhelming stress students should remember that their health both mental and physical are crucial. Sometimes we all need to give ourselves a vacation and permission to relax. Making time for a night of restful sleep can help alleviate the wear of the daily grind.
If the stress and pressure, however, are building and seem inescapable students may want to consider taking advantage of ISU resources; such as the Counseling and Testing which can be reached at 282-2130.
By Melinda Christensen
A few isolated shootings occurred on campuses throughout these two decades, but nothing comparable to prevalence of current shootings. While protesters displayed their message clearly, the motives for these modern shootings are ambiguous. Shrouded in mental instability and pressure these attacks leave the public in shock and horror trying to figure out what triggers such behavior. What does this new trend of mass killing and suicide suggest about our society and our centers of learning?
After reviewing a number of shootings that occurred on campuses in the United States, a few trends seem obvious. Men seem the dominate perpetrators of this growing violence. In fact, it seems only one incident exists of a female committing a similar act. Last month in Louisiana at a technical college. According to a recent AP article, the female shooter, Latina Williams, opened fire in an emergency medical technology class, emptied the revolver, reloaded and then shot herself. In the process she killed two classmates, both female. Most of the shooters are between the ages of 20 and 30, and chose classrooms or areas on campus they are familiar with.
Unfortunately, this does not provide any insight into what motivates these shootings. Jennie Williams, mother of Latina Williams, recently released a statement through the Baton Rouge Police Department stating, "In this tragedy, just like you, we have many questions but no answers. As Latina's mother, I will not try to rationalize or make excuses for her action. It was wrong."
While I think we can all agree that this course of action is wrong, what can be done to prevent these shootings? Some have suggested better campus security and handgun control as two methods of prevention. This does not necessarily address the problem which seems to be a sweeping epidemic of failing mental stability. The reasons for this failure are likely to be far more diverse than the scope of this editorial; however, as college students we can probably agree that the stress load can be daunting.
Feeling overwhelmed can be a common part of student life and facing failure can make that equation even more tenuous. Students are more commonly juggling not just class loads but also work and family responsibilities. When faced with the struggles of a daunting schedule, competing priorities and overwhelming stress students should remember that their health both mental and physical are crucial. Sometimes we all need to give ourselves a vacation and permission to relax. Making time for a night of restful sleep can help alleviate the wear of the daily grind.
If the stress and pressure, however, are building and seem inescapable students may want to consider taking advantage of ISU resources; such as the Counseling and Testing which can be reached at 282-2130.
By Melinda Christensen
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