Violence has always been part of the landscape, but recent events have brought it more to the forefront. We will probably fuss about it, blame minorities for it and then once again, turn our backs to the people in society who really need our help. Like prejudice, we view violence as an external thing - someone hurting someoneRead more
Societal Issues
Domestic Violence
We call it “domestic violence” as one way of segregating out violence against women (which it largely is). Thirty five percent of women in America have experienced rape, physical violence or stalking by a partner. Although this problem is concentrated in poor and minority households, it is not unknown throughout the culture (1). Around the globe, 30 percentRead more
The Origins of Violence
By Ross Bishop This article is something of a departure. There is a good deal of violence in our world and little meaningful response to it. I am going to address the root causes of two kinds of violence – crime and terrorism. They come from the same sources. Tragically, we are not predisposed to address their causesRead more
Gun Violence
By Ross Bishop The facts are that wherever guns have been banned the number of homicides and suicides drop markedly. Where guns are legal, homicide and suicide rates are higher – a lot higher, supporting the premise that although guns do not kill people, they do make it a great deal easier. In 1996, after a mass shootingRead more
Mental Illness
When they pick through the ashes of Western Civilization, along with its its many accomplishments, historians will note four major failures: First will be its greed driven ethical corruption; second its failure to protect the environment; third the treatment of criminals and the fourth will be its disregard of the mentally troubled. The ethical and moral corruption inRead more