After suffering some severe spider bites I am back on the web.
A simple statement to start things.
I thought about changing the title of this log in accordance with the familiar tensions that arise from the recent shooting at Dawson College in Montreal. Gill's name on vampirefreaks.com was 'Trench'. However, I would rather talk about the rather tepid use of subcultural phenomena to create a profile of individuals like Gill.
Again, the double standard seems to be in effect. Interest in fringe cultures like 'goth' or 'metal' does not a mass murderer make. Obsession with religion is also not a primary motivator in homicide. I would argue that the only indication is a literal obsession with murder(or murder/suicide). Again, this is not a total justification, after all the many scholars and law enforcement officials who study this behaviour would be unlikely to recreate the actions of the subjects they study. There are exceptions to all assertions.
In terms of psychology there are many plausible reasons for what happened. The vapid 'why?' that floats across the headlines is the worst abdication of a heartfelt analysis of the actions that transpired. Representing as they do the void of destruction that could dwell in the breast of all persons, these subjects will always elude any true understanding. But, I would argue that the final psychotic break--although such a term has become unpopular--fits into the ancient logic of the scapegoat. In this case the scapegoat does not bear the burden and lashes out at the society that laid the weight upon them. That this is a violation of the scapegoat script is something that requires further analysis. The desired effect of pushing the individual to the edge of society is to remove them from the centre, but keep them at a distance that is conveniant for normalising forces within society. What is not anticipated is when the edges curl back into the centre often with explosive effects.
It is my belief that some persons must embody the roles at the margins. I do not mean this in the Leftest sense that there are minoritites within the majority that need to be included. I mean that whether the society or the individual desires it someone has to stand at the threshold. In the past these people would become shamans but now, as we apparently think we have no use for such things, they come back and destroy the group. Perhaps telling us in no uncertain terms that our values need to change.
A simple statement to start things.
I thought about changing the title of this log in accordance with the familiar tensions that arise from the recent shooting at Dawson College in Montreal. Gill's name on vampirefreaks.com was 'Trench'. However, I would rather talk about the rather tepid use of subcultural phenomena to create a profile of individuals like Gill.
Again, the double standard seems to be in effect. Interest in fringe cultures like 'goth' or 'metal' does not a mass murderer make. Obsession with religion is also not a primary motivator in homicide. I would argue that the only indication is a literal obsession with murder(or murder/suicide). Again, this is not a total justification, after all the many scholars and law enforcement officials who study this behaviour would be unlikely to recreate the actions of the subjects they study. There are exceptions to all assertions.
In terms of psychology there are many plausible reasons for what happened. The vapid 'why?' that floats across the headlines is the worst abdication of a heartfelt analysis of the actions that transpired. Representing as they do the void of destruction that could dwell in the breast of all persons, these subjects will always elude any true understanding. But, I would argue that the final psychotic break--although such a term has become unpopular--fits into the ancient logic of the scapegoat. In this case the scapegoat does not bear the burden and lashes out at the society that laid the weight upon them. That this is a violation of the scapegoat script is something that requires further analysis. The desired effect of pushing the individual to the edge of society is to remove them from the centre, but keep them at a distance that is conveniant for normalising forces within society. What is not anticipated is when the edges curl back into the centre often with explosive effects.
It is my belief that some persons must embody the roles at the margins. I do not mean this in the Leftest sense that there are minoritites within the majority that need to be included. I mean that whether the society or the individual desires it someone has to stand at the threshold. In the past these people would become shamans but now, as we apparently think we have no use for such things, they come back and destroy the group. Perhaps telling us in no uncertain terms that our values need to change.
posted by Dallas at 10:59 PM
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