It's not the guns, it is the testosterone.
By speakeasy
@speakeasy (4171)
United States
April 23, 2007 1:54pm CST
Everyone has been talking about the recent killings at Virginia Tech and other incidents in the past. Should gun laws be stricter or not? Why did he do it? Why did any of them do it? Was it caused by movies, TV, books, the Internet?
Looking back over the past few years; all of these incidents were done by men. Young men under the age of 40. These are your gunmen and mad bombers. Their friends and family all say that they were such sweet children; but, then they hit puberty and "things changed"; they became withdrawn and depressed. No women are committing these crimes.
As a matter of fact, very few women are commiting the other violent crimes in our society. When they do, it is usually because they have been pushed too far and are retaliating, are on drugs, or they have snapped mentally.
Taking the guns away, men switch to knifes, fists, fire, and explosives. So, I don't think the problem is the guns. I think the guns are just the method, a tool they use.
I think the real problem is "testosterone". Boys hit puberty and start producing this hormone in large quantities. They continue to have high levels of this hormone until they reach their 40's. Women who have PMS, are pregnant, or going through menopause become "hormonal" and their behavior goes "nuts". So it stands to reason that guys can't handle the high levels of hormone or hormonal imbalances and it affects their minds and behavior too.
I wonder if anyone has done a study on the hormone levels of these gunmen and bombers. If their hormone levels are out of balance, perhaps a pill would help them.
4 people like this
3 responses
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
23 Apr 07
That some men can not handle high levels of testosterone has been known for a long time. Over 30 years ago there was even an M.D. (I forget his name) who campaigned that a law be passed that repeat violent offenders be castrated so as to lower their testosterone levels. Ask a rancher what happens when a mean bull becomes a steer. There most often is a change in temperment. There is in humans, too.
For his trouble, the crusading pro castration M.D. was called vile names and ridiculed. Be that as it may, as you realize, he had a good point to make and a probable solution to the problem of violent males who can not deal with their own testosterone levels.
Will anyone listen to his advice today? Doubtful.
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
23 Apr 07
"The problem with the male M.D.'s theory was that any time you talk "castration" whether it is a dog, cat, etc.; a lot of men mentally "shut down". They stop thinking."
I do not see this as a problem. It would only be applied to repeat violent offenders after due process. I heartily endorse the idea. It would work.
Anyone convicted after the procedure had been performed could be put in prison for life without parole.
This would certainly be better than capital punishment.
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
25 Apr 07
It is never going to be possible to prevent the first instance of violence. It would be nice, but how?
Violence could be reduced by adapting again some of the old fashioned values strengthening the family and parent's authority and responsibility.
But eliminate first instance violence entirely? Can't happen.
@nicolec (2671)
• United States
23 Apr 07
I don't think it's that black and white. Yes, testosterone plays a big part in ramping up a man's (or boy's) emotions such as rage, invicibility and anger. Where in a woman the estrogen usually enhances depression, sorrow and self hate. She might take herself out, but probably couldn't be bothered with anyone else.
But often it's more than that. Women tend to be nutrured more. Cared for. A boy is often taught to stand on his own and can be ignored by those that need to take the time to see what is really going on.
For example in the case of the V Tech guy. Teachers, class mates and friends have come forth and said he needed help. But the parents have said nothing. Do they not know? Did they not take the time to nurture their son and discover that he had so many problems?
I guess what I am getting at is that sometimes it's a product of the environment, not just a hormones. Or perhaps a combination of both. I could be so wrong. It's just my opinion.
@speakeasy (4171)
• United States
23 Apr 07
Did his parents know? Of course not. Teens and young adult males don't tell their parents about these things. They become very private about their personal lives.
Since he was LEGALLY an adult, the authorities were not ALLOWED to tell them. That would be a violation of his privacy rights.
@nicolec (2671)
• United States
23 Apr 07
That's not what I meant about did the parents know. Not did the kid tell them, but could they see this distructive nature about him. The friends could tell, teachers noticed and classmates even observed it. So I didn't mean by verbal communication, but by taking the time to 'know' their child.
@Lady_Justice (969)
• United States
24 Apr 07
This is a unique and interesting take on the topic. It makes a lot of sense and I too would like to see some sort of study. Something is causing all this rage and violence and testosterone may well be the culprit. What if it were as simple as that and as easy to treat as giving medication? You may be onto something here, Speakeasy. Great thinking.
