The Subculture of Violence is a criminological term normally reserved to explain crimes committed in poor, urban communities but today’s on air killing of WDBJ Reporter Allison Parker and Cameraman Adam Ward show us that these behaviors have not been confined within neatly drawn boundaries around disadvantaged neighborhoods. This violence has oozed out of areas where it normally occurs and is now everywhere. Rudeness, dismissiveness, and a sense of entitlement lead to poor and sometimes heated interactions which are precursors to violence. We as a community have got to do better. And, we have to treat each other better. It is no secret that those involved in these violent incidents are trouble souls. They feel invisible because society does not care about them. Or at least that is the perception. They have been cast aside by family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. This does not excuse this behavior. Violence is NEVER the answer! What it means is that we need to wake up. We have a responsibility. If something is out of the ordinary, say something. If something does not seem right, do something. Ignorance is not acceptable. We can no longer be complacent spectators going through the motions of life. We all play a vital role in this script. Now is the time to start caring. Wave at a neighbor. Smile at someone coming down the street. Help an elderly person across the road. Stop at stop signs and let pedestrians cross safely before you gun the engine to move quickly through the intersection. Ask someone how they are doing and have the compassion to wait for the answer to ensure they are truly okay. Slow down. The world does not revolve around you or me. The only way we are going to survive is if we go back to basics and start treating people kindly, gently, and humanely. Hatred has crept into places that used to be off limits: our schools, playgrounds, churches, and workplaces. We need balance. We live in this world together and thus must be accountable to one another. Recognize the warning signs and act on them.
Hurting people hurt, and in this case kill. Let’s do better.
Be safe,
L.J. Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213
#subculture #violence #killing #crime #RoanokeVA #RIP #WDBJ #allisonparker #adamward #prayer #community #neighborhood #togetherness #kindness #responsibility #accountability #justice #peace