Elliot Rodger UCSB Shooting and Stabbing Rampage

In Isla Vista, California mental illness and misogyny are links to the reckless acts done on behalf of Elliot Rodgers a young individual enrolled at UCSB. It’s important to first point out the media coverage of this unfortunate day. The story was presented in a manner that had undertones of the mental issues and social issues Elliot Rodgers had. His rampage left 6 individuals dead and many others hurt. When headlines on Twitter from news sources were running down my timeline it became difficult for me to click the links to read the stories.

CNN.com broke down his 141 page manifesto into five parts:

 1. 'A bitter form of envy'

2. 'Love Potion #9' advice

3. Winning a lottery: 'The only way out'

4. Rodger's three guns

5. Vengeance against men

These parts in his manifesto expressed how he would partake in a day of retribution to pay back the individuals who had wronged him. In his manifesto he expressed his jealousy and dislike for those who were wealthy due to their selfless lifestyles. He wished to escape his own lifestyle since women were never attracted to him; he labeled himself a ‘kissless virgin’. His upbringing led him to be on the outskirts of Hollywood. Despite being invited to a premier of the Hunger Games since his father was a major director he still felt secluded and alone. Rodgers ended up purchasing three guns which he would use on his day of retribution. He vowed to kill ‘beautiful’ girls who hadn’t accepted him.

There are YouTube videos which Rodgers recorded of himself speaking about his problems and expose the inner workings of his violent, problematic mind. Rodgers also was subscribed to YouTube channels which posted hyper-patriarchal videos from male movements. These videos could have added to his extreme hate for his treatment on behalf of women.

All of the above are a background which express the news coverage of the story. The undertones which were left out include the violent culture which makes up Western society. Shows, games and films are extremely violent and many of American youth have become desensitized to violence. It is problematic that the violent culture and police state we are a part of is not exposed in any of the major headlines. It seems as though the sources are showing the victims, the victims reactions and are not probing the true issue behind Rodger’s rampage.

Historically in the past few years the major killings which have taken place have been by young, privileged men. Most of them are White males. The discourse surrounding this fact has only been deemed as misogynistic by bloggers and individuals who have a voice on social media. Which is present in the YesAllWomen hashtag striking back against the issues which led to the killings. Black men tied to crimes like a rampage are not deemed as having mental health issues. White men and their mental and social issues are always blamed in Western society. This is problematic especially since many Black men are imprisoned in America. Gun laws and counseling cannot be blamed in my eyes, only Western society is to be blamed for encouraging a violent society. 

CNN's coverage of the story includes: http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/25/justice/california-shooting-revelations/

Natural News opinion piece includes: http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/25/justice/california-shooting-revelations/