Three-pronged B.E.A.S.T: study of mass shootings as a complex American issue | Jayla Hodge | TEDxCSU

Summary

In this deeply personal and insightful talk, the speaker reflects on surviving a school shooting and the lasting impact it had on them and their community. Drawing on this experience, they present the BEAST theory, which aims to address the epidemic of mass shootings in the U.S. through a multifaceted approach. The theory emphasizes societal influences, mental health, and accessibility, while advocating for bipartisan cooperation to create effective solutions. The speaker calls for a shift in public discourse, urging a focus on humanity and unity to confront this national crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker describes a personal experience of surviving a school shooting and the impact it had on them, their community, and their perspective on mass shootings.
• 😀 The frequency of mass shootings in the U.S. is highlighted, with statistics showing a mass shooting almost every day in 2017 and 49 mass shootings by February 2019.
• 😀 There is no standardized definition of mass shootings, leading to challenges in collecting consistent data and forming a clear understanding of the issue.
• 😀 The speaker introduces 'The Beast,' a framework that identifies three main factors contributing to mass shootings: societal influences, mental health accessibility, and existential crises.
• 😀 The language used to discuss mass shootings often leads to division along political lines, which impedes meaningful solutions. The speaker advocates for reframing the issue as an American problem, not a partisan one.
• 😀 Mental illness is often wrongly linked to mass shootings. Instead, the speaker emphasizes the need to look at mental health care as part of a larger systemic issue, particularly around access to resources.
• 😀 The speaker points out that men, particularly non-Hispanic white males aged 18-49, are disproportionately the perpetrators of mass shootings, calling attention to societal factors contributing to this demographic's violent actions.
• 😀 The speaker argues that the U.S. prioritizes access to firearms over mental health care, with millions lacking insurance or access to adequate mental health resources.
• 😀 The societal influence of mass shootings on the mental health of the general public is emphasized, as fear, anxiety, and tension are injected into communities, affecting daily life and safety.
• 😀 The existential aspect of mass shootings is explored, highlighting the unpredictable and pervasive nature of violence in society. The speaker stresses the need for a collective understanding of the reality that these tragedies could happen anywhere, to anyone.
• 😀 The conclusion calls for a shift in how mass shootings are approached politically and socially. The speaker urges for unity and compromise on the issue, advocating for solutions that prioritize humanity over partisan politics.

Q & A

What is the core message of the speaker's story?

The speaker emphasizes the need for a shift in how we address mass shootings, proposing a new approach called the 'Beast Theory.' This theory focuses on understanding the societal, mental health, and accessibility factors contributing to mass shootings, while advocating for a redefined discourse that transcends political divisions.

What is 'The Beast' theory?

'The Beast' theory is a framework created by the speaker that encompasses three key factors contributing to mass shootings: Bipartisan Existential Accessibility Societal Theory. It aims to shift the conversation around mass shootings by addressing societal influences, mental health accessibility, and the existential crisis they cause.

Why does the speaker mention that mass shootings are not a new problem?

The speaker highlights that mass shootings are as old as the U.S. itself, but before 1980, they disproportionately affected marginalized communities. From 1980 onwards, mass shootings began to affect a broader segment of the population, emphasizing that the problem is not a new phenomenon but one that has worsened over time.

What role does societal influence play in mass shootings, according to the speaker?

Societal influences contribute to mass shootings by reflecting issues such as the militarization of the country, the industrial complex, and the education system. The speaker points out that a culture of violence, including the media's desensitizing portrayal of shootings, plays a significant role in normalizing such acts.

What is the speaker's stance on the relationship between mental health and mass shootings?

The speaker cautions against linking mental illness directly to mass shootings. They emphasize that individuals with mental health issues are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators. Instead, they argue that the focus should be on the systemic failure in providing adequate mental health care, which correlates with the prevalence of mass shootings.

What is the significance of accessibility in the context of mass shootings?

The speaker stresses that the lack of accessibility to mental health care is a crucial factor in the rise of mass shootings. They argue that the U.S. provides more access to firearms than mental health resources, which contributes to the problem. Accessibility to both mental health care and gun control is a central concern in the speaker's argument.

How does the speaker view the existential impact of mass shootings?

The speaker explains that mass shootings create an existential crisis, instilling fear and anxiety in the population. This fear affects people's everyday lives, making them afraid to go to school, the grocery store, or public events. The speaker believes that mass shootings have become a threat to the very essence of societal stability.

Why is bipartisanship important in addressing mass shootings, according to the speaker?

Bipartisanship is important because the speaker believes that political divisions prevent meaningful solutions. By working together across party lines, people can focus on the human aspect of the issue, rather than allowing politics to hinder progress. The goal is to prioritize human lives over political ideologies.

What does the speaker mean by 'the language we use' when discussing mass shootings?

The speaker refers to the divisive language often used when discussing mass shootings. They argue that the language tends to polarize the conversation, making it harder to find common ground. The speaker advocates for a reframing of the issue as a national problem, rather than a political one, to encourage a more constructive and unified dialogue.

What does the speaker propose as a solution to the mass shooting epidemic?

The speaker proposes that the solution lies in a comprehensive approach that addresses the three components of 'The Beast': societal influences, mental health care accessibility, and the existential threat posed by mass shootings. The ultimate goal is to create a more united discourse that focuses on these systemic issues rather than political divisions.