This may be an uncharacteristic post for SEA SOCIETY; with violence seemingly on the rise, it is important to look at why people behave violently to get to the root of the cause.
American Psychotherapist and Writer Shavaun Scott discusses why gun violence has increased in the United States in the last 20 years, and how people can get involved in reducing violence with Once Upon A Crime Podcast host Esther Ludlow:
– If you see something – say something. If you see or hear concerning behaviour, such as hate talk, collecting weapons, posing with weapons – say something to the appropriate entity – your loved ones and/or the Police or local Sheriff (US).
– Acknowledge the red flags and try not to minimalize or deny the behaviour.
– Avoid hate groups and misinformation sites on social media.
– Supervisor’s monitor your children/delegates internet activity.
– If people you are familiar with are saying “They are fine,” but their behaviour suggests differently (such as they are isolating – and don’t have COVID), investigate further.
– Close interpersonal relationships, and healthy activities are “protective factors.” People with positive influences in their lives are unlikely to be motivated to commit violent acts.
– Unfortunately, due to toxic masculine norms, some men find it difficult to talk about their feelings or to ask for help. Please know: the brave asks for help. Mental health is as important and as serious as your physical health.
– It’s not better to be “Infamous than ignored.” If you feel lonely and have been slighted/bullied, the answer is not to hurt others. The answer is to ask for help – from your loved ones and from mental health organisations.
– My father is a schoolteacher, and teacher’s jobs are busy enough without having to worry about defending themselves and their students. Arming teachers with guns is not the solution.
Arm yourself with knowledge, and take care of yourself and others.
Image: The New York Times.