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Originally Posted by rubicon
eweissenbach: spot on.
My concern hearing of the news was that the media would milk the tragedy for all it was worth in order to fill the 24/7 need news media , talk shows etc need. By doing so they actually marginalize an otherwise serious issue. My second concern is that opportunitist would jump in loaded with an emotional narrative when instead reasoned and honest discussion needed to take place.
The obvious finger pointing would be to gun control or a lack thereof, mental health system and lack thereof, violence on TV, movies, in video games....and should
However the underlying issue is being ignored and that is the lack of restraint and self control that has deteriorated over the last 40 years or so. A lack of self restrain that has been sanctioned by the news media, intellectuals in universities, judges. Civil disobedience has been sanctioned since the days of the war protest. People like Jane Fonda and other hollywood types made it a kool thing. I believe you know where I am going here.
Look at what's kool for young people today. The more misbehaved the better. A clean cut kid can't make it in Hollywood or Nashville. No drugs, tearing up hotels ,risky behaviors make headlines and stars. How else do you explain a Charlie Sheen or Lindsay Lohan.
If there is going to be a dialogue in this country about violence it might be well to begin with a look back at what we have become to accept as normal behavior. In my day a recalcitrant student was one who got caught chewing gum in class.
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Well, I believe civil disobedience has been around in the US for a long time. Look at the writings of John Stuart Mill or Ralph Waldo Emerson.
As for clean cut kids not making it in Nashville - I think Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift are pretty clean cut. Yes, there are plenty of others who are not good role models but still some mighty good one.