Both Sides

Today's class was a bit interesting, both in nature and argument. In discussing the mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona on January 8, 2011, I was reminded of the terrible atrocities that often occur because of political beliefs, prejudice, and even mental illness. In addition, the shooting in Norway is a devastating example of how the distortion of religion and political beliefs can harm others.

What I found to be a bit disturbing about the presentation was its accusatory nature. While it is essential to point out threatening or harsh rhetoric and communication that may be related to these incidents, one must not simply look at and accuse one specific category of political or religious affiliation (ie; Republicans and Christians) for contributing to such incidents. In order to ethically and properly examine an act of ethnoviolence or crime, you must look at both sides of the argument. Therefore, before one says that Republican/right winged rhetoric is a major factor in contributing to violent acts, he must consider Democratic rhetoric as well.