by syaffolee
Look at the Forest, Not the Tree
Killer Reflection. No doubt, people are going to try to work the racial angle too. But I agree with the author–just because you’re a quiet Asian kid under pressure doesn’t mean that you’ll go on a killer spree. Heck, I’m Asian, quiet, and often under pressure, but you don’t see me going off half-cocked. The problem I have with all this exhaustive analysis in the media recently is that I get the impression that people just want to find the indicator that will tell people immediately that an individual has gone over the edge. There is no one indicator–you have to look at the whole picture.
Don't Shake the Flask 
Those who are most successful in receiving on-going mental healthcare are those who a have a strong network of friends and family who make sure they receive treatment. A mental health referral from Cho’s teachers isn’t as effective and is an indication that he lacks a personal support network. Plus, young males aren’t as verbal and are not able to form support networks as easily as women. The larger picture is that Asian Americans don’t have the political power that other minorities, such as blacks and hispanics, have. Most are also isolated and do not live in same-race communities like blacks and hispanics tend to do. A lack of community means a lack of a safe haven or buffer zone to develop their identity and voice. Didn’t Cho sign his name by writing a question mark? Plus Asian American males are the most marginalized group in America. Negative stereotypes of Asian American males are rampant in movies and TV. They are either villains or nerds. How often have you watched a movie and an Asian villain pops out of nowhere from the plot? I wouldn’t be surprised if random nudity, hookers, and Asian villains are the most overused devices in movies. There are virtually no positive images in the media to balance out the negativity, unless you count imported kung fu stars or athletes who aren’t even American. Is this why Cho felt the need to send 20+ videos of himself to the media, unlike any other mass murderer?In the end, you have an isolated, marginalized, ostracized, angry young man who happens to be mentally ill. If that’s not a recipe for lashing out and violence, I don’t what is.