SteveYi
In the US, random shootings are at an all-time high.
Multiple shootings in a single weekend are becoming more common in big cities such as Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and now in smaller cities as well. Some of these shootings are targeting but a great deal of them are random shootings.
Children are being caught in the crossfire at an alarming rate while much of the preventive forces remain inactive.
The reality is that random shootings have a devastating effect upon a community. Not only is there a threat of being harmed physically, but also the psychological impact is pervasive. The fear of being shot or assaulted results in a shrinkage of trust and morale.
People living in violent environments succumb to fear and oppression. No one wants to get involved in a solution and become isolated due to fear of retribution. This sort of response is prevalent in crime ridden areas in which violence rules the streets.
This article will attempt to address the reasons behind random shootings and the possible solutions aimed at eliminating such national tragedy.
Reasons Behind Random Shootings:
Mental Illness
Random shootings can be a result of mental illnesses. People can be driven to a breaking point due to multiple traumatic incidents, including emotional and physical abuse, loss of life’s purpose, obsessive ideologies, and psychiatric drug usage, including meth and PCP etc.
If we look at mass school shootings that have occurred in the United States, we will find individuals who have been thought to be outcasts in society.
Theater shootings as well as church killings have been executed by people who were suffering from mental illness and insane ideologies.
Trigger Curiosity
A sense of demonic pleasure of pulling a gun trigger is another reason for random shootings. The obsession with guns and violence can lead to random shootings. In a oppressive areas of society, young men or women with misguided values are tempted to target people randomly. The demonic temptation to shoot someone can lead to random shootings.
Gang Initiations
The experience of gang initiations often involves random shootings to become a legitimate member of a gang. The aim is to prove that you are dedicated to the gang by shedding the blood of a random person.
In cities such as LA, Chicago, and New York it is not unusually for people to shot and killed by people who just walk up and pull a trigger.
I am sure that there are several other reasons why random shootings occur in the United States, but the above are some of the most common ones.
Preventing Random Shootings
Preventing the growing cycle of random shootings demands community engagement and leadership on every level of society. It is a mistake to think that this sort of crime will disappear without a concerted effort. Key players will include:
- Clergy & Ministers
- Local and State Leaders
- Businesses
- Doctors
- Law enforcement
- Ordinary Citizens who desire to make a difference
Such a tremendous initiative will take time. It will certainly not happen overnight. Many things will have to be considered to make a community safe and secure.
Unique Programs & Projects
Programs & projects which address the needs of the community, specifically homelessness, mental illness, jobs, and education. These necessities must be at the forefront of the discussion. Such entities will lay the foundation for a safe and secure community.
When young people are given opportunities to make money or to express their talents and skills on a platform, many will turn their backs on mischief. Relevant programs that give young people an opportunity to do something positive or make a difference in their lives are godsends for oppressive communities.
Community engagement
An ongoing dialogue between the community and leadership will go a long way in discovering was to work together to bring an end to gun violence. Leadership must not be afraid to go into neighborhoods to interact with ordinary citizens.
Those who are involved in gangs must be engaged. Inquiry into the associations must be analyzed and understood to find a solution.
Young men and women join gangs to obtain a sense of safety as well as a sense of belonging to a group that love and support them. A chaotic home life is another reason why young people become members of these destructive groups.
Stopping the growth of random shootings will take courage, compassion, and vigilance on behalf of all parties. Neighbors must care about their neighbors. Organizations must care about the communities they serve and practice social responsibility.
The Responsibility of Local and State Leaders
Addressing homelessness and standing up for quality housing is an opportunity for local and state leaders to show that they have the backs of the citizens that vote them into office.
Getting the guns out of those who abuse them is a complex task. It cannot be done without high level commitment and dedication to community stability across America.
Working together with a common vision against gun violence, including random shootings will go a long way to create communication power, empathy, and affinity in neighborhoods across America. These values will have a dramatic impact on creating cultures where safety and security will thrive.
The Bottom Line
If society remain divided in terms of leadership and community engagement, random shootings and gun violence in general will prevail. One leaders, organization or branch of law enforcement will not be enough to eliminate gun violence and create communities of stability and progressiveness.
