April 5, 2009
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Power and Senseless Killings
Why do people kill each other, especially random strangers, and then themselves?
Herb Cohen had this to say:
When people in our society believe they can’t as individuals, make a difference, it’s bad for all of us. ”Powerless” people become apathetic and toss in the towel, which means others have to carry them on their backs, or they become hostile and try to tear down a system they can’t understand and don’t believe they can control. This attitude pervades our world. Some of its symptoms are declining productivity and senseless violence.
Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was one of those who became hostile. She attempted to gun down President Gerald Ford. After her arrest, she explained, “When people around you treat you like a child and pay no attention to the things you say, you have to do something!“
The “something” Squeaky did was psychopathic and self-destructive. Her self-perception was miles off base. She didn’t realize that she had other alternatives that were socially acceptable and legal. She didn’t realize that a criminal act, regardless of its goal, is almost always an abuse of power.
It’s something to think about.
Comments (7)
How about we just treat people and strangers nicely?
@IfonEarth -
Hmmmm yes we should, but some people feel isolated and alone even when people are nice to them. According to this guy, they need to find a way to get over their feeling of powerlessness.
@phantomFive - Yes, but that is something they have to work through on their own (or perhaps with a professional). We have little to no control when it comes to their own personal feelings toward themselves. We can only really control how we treat them.
@IfonEarth -
What you say has some truth, but that’s no attitude to have if you want to change the world!
@phantomFive - I think it’s a fine attitude to have. Because you’re going to have to realize that you can’t change people if they won’t help themselves. And I don’t aim to change the world, merely a corner of it.
@IfonEarth -
You can’t change people, but you can encourage them, push them, help them want to change, support them, cheer for them, help them see the way, help them realize they can change, help them see the consequences if they don’t change, help them see they’ll be happier if they do change……..but yeah, if they have chosen to be miserable serial killers despite all else, then there’s not much you can do.
Good post.