Violence in a civilized society

On March 12, 2009, in Graphic Matters, by Frederick

I am certainly not the only one appalled at the shocking shootings that occurred in Winnenden, Germany yesterday. Even more shocking was that the warning he sent over chat was laughed off — just as a number of people thought a man who committed suicide on webcam was joking.

“S*** Bernd, I’ve had enough. I’m fed up with this bloody life. It’s always the same thing – everyone laughs at me, no-one recognises my potential.

“I mean this seriously, Bernd – I’ve got a weapon here and tomorrow morning I’m going to go to my old school and give them hell. Maybe I’ll escape and you will hear from me tomorrow morning.

“Keep your ear to the ground. Take note of the name: Winnenden. Don’t say anything to the police.”

Source: Telegraph

We have to take people seriously.

I’m certain that every one of us is capable of evil actions. What holds us back from committing evil? An inert sense of morality or justice? Religion?

Winnenden Shocked After School Shooting

"God, where were you?" Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

“God, where were you?” the above sign asks.

Winnenden Shocked After School Shooting

Students mourn; Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

What ordinary human can tolerate this kind of violence?

Winnenden Shocked After School Shooting

A rose is placed; Photo by Getty Images

Some have criticized ineffective gun restriction laws, while others have argued that restricting legal gun ownership is pointless as most crimes are committed with illegally owned guns. But guess what? The shooter had access to weapons in his home that were legally owned and killed over a dozen people.

Gun Rampage At Secondary School In Winnenden

Police roam around the school; Photo by Miguel Villagran/Getty Images

In the end, what do weapons do? What sort of violence do they propagate?

Winnenden Shocked After School Shooting

Bullet holes; Photo by Miguel Villagran/Getty Images

This is the sort of thing we cannot tolerate as a society.

Winnenden Shocked After School Shooting

Flags at half mast; Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images

What will we do about violence in the civilized world?

Further photographs may be found at the BBC.

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