Security guards stand and watch as woman is severely beaten and robbed

Why?



These types of outbursts are the sign of things to come. There are reasons behind this. It's not just an individual out of control. This is being encouraged by those "in control" at the top. No, they didn't whisper in the ear of the perpetrator to commit a heinous crime... what they have done is to create an atmosphere that puts a large part of the community at a point where they feel they have no choice but to strike out against any one they perceive as a threat. They are given a feeling of helplessness, a frame of mind that has them backed into a corner with violence as the only obvious answer.

The production values of this video are poor but the information is worthwhile.



For the rest of us, this violence creates a need for "security", a need for intrusion into our lives and a distraction from our pursuits. This also serves to divide us into opposing groups by the slightest difference.

This story has been repeated again and again throughout history. And as I said, these types of outbursts are the sign of things to come if we don't recognize it for what it is. I want to point out a particular example in history because it shows the power of the mental state that can be created given the correct circumstances.The event, Rwanda 1994. This is effectively described in a BBC documentary called 'The Five Steps to Tyranny' I have included the entire program which I would highly reccommend watching in it's entirety, but if you wish to skip directly to the segment, it's at 21:30 to 28:30. If you say 'It can't happen here!'check out the Stanford study at 47:30.



How this tyranny is being manifested in our society is apparent. We are constantly being separated into groups. The Us vs. Them is always being reinforced in the media. Left vs. Right, Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice, black vs. white, Christianity vs. Islam, on and on. The regular dehumanizing of opposing groups and the acceptance of ignorance and stupidity over principle should give each person pause when looking at our society. Especially the actions of our government in our name.

If you look at this Attitude Scale you will probably note that in many ways we are encouraged to remain on the bottom. And if you look at the actions of the government you see that they dwell on the very bottom in a great deal of instances.

Violence is being perpetuated in our society mainly through TV and Video games... and although I believe in a free society I also believe in people being aware of the dangers of this constant exposure in addition to the creeping similarities between video games and the real world. The predator drones are effectively just like a video game. The increasing use of these weapons on the battlefield alone is disturbing but the fact that these are now being used by civilian and police forces here in the United States should really raise some eyebrows.



In recent years violence has actually dropped. This may be because several gun control laws have been struck down and gun sales have gone up dramatically ie people taking responsibility for their own safety. But I fear that the media still can have a great deal of influence as to which way we go next. With economic and social pressures mounting due to the sour economy we could easily experience a significant rise in violence.

Solutions are out there. Individuals and groups need to recognize that there are a great deal of options to solve violent behavior. As pointed out in the 'Five Steps to Tyranny' video, the risk of large scale violence is greatly reduced in societies that allow and recognize dissent as important. Therefore, speaking out against violence and taking a proactive approach is important but what may even be more important is making people aware of the other side of the scale. That there is a great deal of opportunity to enhance peoples lives through positive actions proactively. Be aware though that self-preservation is a human right and protecting oneself is necessary, each individual should be prepared to do so in the uncertain times we face.

Obviously, in this instance with the three security guards standing there as a woman is beaten senselessly, relying on others is not always enough.