We all speculate what the reasons are for someone to harm innocent people, but in most cases our questions will never be answered. Jared Loughner a once somewhat odd young man has now turned into a face of a mass psychotic killer. I don’t believe that we will ever be given a direct reasoning for his actions, but there is some evidence of his actions and certain things that he said that we could declare is the reasoning for his inhuman like actions. In a YouTube video, Loughner’s states, “ the government is implying mind control and brainwash on the people by controlling grammar.” Obviously, he did not have common viewpoints or beliefs of that of the government. Also, he questioned Congresswoman Giffords at a rally in 2007 and wasn’t answered how he expected, which possibility could have affected his feelings towards her.
One of Jared Loughner’s neighbors cautiously believes that because he “used to speak critically about religion and how he liked to smoke pot” could be evidence as to what influenced him to perform the acts. Another credible source, Loughner’s former girlfriend, reflects on his previous drug usage and that he “had smoked marijuana and took hallucinogenic mushrooms.” She also told Fox News “that he had a strained relationship with his parents”. Nothing in his life seemed to be happening the way that he hoped, which I believe made depressed which then lead him to be a paranoid schizophrenic.
Dana Milbank gives insight as to how some people can be indirectly formed into people they truly aren’t simply from being exposed to someone else’s’ prominent beliefs. I can relate Loughner’s actions to those of Richard Poplawski whom was influenced by Glenn Beck who gave him every reason to believe that he thought it was “necessary to start a revolution.” Like Poplawski, I believe that Loughner was influenced by outside sources, instead of his personality to break out and to open fire. He felt abused and useless and that the only way to change these feelings were to make a statement and act out in a way that proved his dissatisfaction.
Paige Bauernfeind
I agree that Loughner had to have learned from an outside source to act the way he did. Loughner had to have felt that the only way he is useful and to be noticed was to commit the inhuman act that he committed. His youtube channel was what gave me chills since it gave you an insight into his mind and what he felt. He was definitely an outsider that believed the rest of the world had it wrong, the people who didn't "dream". I am not sure how the drugs really related to his shooting other than the fact that people who do a lot of drugs are usually looking for an escape rather than thinking of shooting people, especially marijuana which is not supposed to make a person violent. Loughner must have been trying to be noticed since even his mug shot that is now posted on the many articles posted about him shows his facial expression as being very pleased with himself.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you are saying; I basically said this same thing in my blog post-I truly believe that it was because of a strained relationship with his parents at home and his hallucinogenic drug use. I read a study done on LSD, which said that it causes schizophrenia, as well as several other mental problems that all could very well have lead to his justification of shooting. The dreams sound more like he is tripping on something. For that matter, I read that his mother was seen buying lots of beer so an alcoholic. Who knows what all of these factors may have contributed negatively to his mental well-being. I do not agree or disagree with your assertion that there were outside sources, however I do feel that it is of no fault of Glenn Beck or other outside sources. Living in a democratic nation has rights and responsibilities, one of those rights being freedom of speech and one of those responsibilities is control. It's an interesting issue, to say the least.
ReplyDeleteI found your piece very interesting and very clear. To say the least Loughner is one disturbed individual and you made it very clear as to where his disturbed behavior could have manifested from. His experimentation with drugs, a strained relationship with his parents and even a steady stream of influences from surrounding outside sources. What I wonder is, was he created into this monster killer or at some level was he always this way? I mean, so many people are surrounded by the same troubles and influenced by the same sorts of media and propaganda that he was exposed to, yet, they don't run around killing people. What does this mean? I really have no idea and really I guess it doesn't matter. The only time we usually find answers to these types of questions useful is when we try to determine just how responsible and guilty the accused really is. My last thought would be, if he was so influenced, should he be punished less or might that open a floodgate for those seeking to do the same and have an excuse why?
ReplyDeleteAgain, great piece. Very thought provoking.