Explaining Violence

In the wake of today's shootings on a Virginia college campus, I hear news stories focusing on security, and what can be done to increase it on campuses. But I don't know if that's the most important question. Maybe I say that because I cringe at the thought of college campuses turning into walled-off oases where everyone has to go through a security check to get in. It's bad enough when metal detectors and bag checks already are in place at some schools, courthouses and more. Not to mention having to remove your shoes before going to your airport gate.

The question that isn't asked enough is: Why are we such a violent society? Why are guns so easily available? Why are people so likely to use them?

Finding an answer would require an uncomfortable look at our own history, our current policies (from invading Iraq to shrugging off domestic violence), and the tone of our popular culture, from songs to video games to music that glorify violence. Someone cross you? "Make my day," buddy. In Santa Fe a few months ago, two women were killed when a motorist, whom they allegedly cut in front of on the interstate, shot them.

And maybe we'd even be forced to look at that sacred cow: gun control. That may be a case of closing the barn door after the horse got loose, though. There are so many guns in circulation, I think it would be impossible to call them all back.

I don't want us to work so hard on protecting ourselves and hiding from violence. I want us to work on making it an unacceptable option, so frowned on by society, that only the most crazed or hardened psychopaths would resort to it.