Monkey see, monkey do

I hate bad news. I hate hearing about school shootings, drive by's and other horrendous acts of violence and random atrocities. I always thought they had a negative impact on society. Until today, I couldn't really prove it. I'm sure you've all heard about the shootings in a mall in some state that I can't remember (mainly because I don't want to). The suicide note is quoted as ending with "At least now I'll be famous". I couldn't help but laugh out loud (and cry inside) at the situation. By reporting his name (which they did) and everything about him, they were granting his wish.

In Johnny Cash's song "Streets Of Loredo" the dying cowboy, when asking a passerby to write to his mother, begs that he not "mention his name and his name will pass on".

I think the general consensus in the media is that they have a responsibility to report EVERYTHING. I obviously disagree. What good could possibly come from talking about someone killing 8 people in a mall, let alone telling us his name and why he says he did it? I'm guessing most people would argue that the main benefit of covering such events is "awareness". Okay, so I'm at the mall tomorrow. I'm "aware" that a couple days ago some guy went on a rampage and started shooting people in a mall. Now, if someone walks into my mall while I'm there and starts shooting at me, what good is that awareness going to do me?

This is the first instance I ever recall where the admitted motive is "to be famous". The key word is "admitted". Even if this is the only guy that EVER killed a bunch of people because he thought it would make him famous (consciously or otherwise), what if that motive wouldn't have existed? What if we didn't hear about every grizzly, disgusting and gruesome massacre in the world every morning on our way to work? What if they wouldn't have given his name, or said where he was from? What if news stations weren't like that gossiping coworker that constantly has to prove he has knowledge you don't? I think 8 people would have left a shopping mall and went back to their lives and loved ones.

"Ignoring it won't make it go away!" you say... Well, we could at least give it a try, says I. Acknowledging it sure hasn't helped.