America's Epidemic of Massacres Is a Sign of a Collapsing Society

[Nevilledog]

Link to tweet

https://eand.co/the-ultimate-sign-of-american-collapse-489d2f204dd

There are statistics, and there are statistics. Here’s one. America’s had 20 mass shootings since the Uvalde massacre, 10 days ago. That’s two a day.

Americans, I think, see mass shootings as a social problem. They aren’t. They’re something far more abnormal — and telling — than that. Mass shootings — ultra regular ones, more than one a day — are a sign of social collapse. America’s mass shooting problem is perhaps one of the ultimate signs — and forms — of how societies collapse. They encapsulate almost perfectly how societies come undone.

The signs of American collapse are everywhere you look. From its sclerotic politics, where nothing ever gets done — except regress into theocracy and authoritarianism. To its economy — in which the average American struggles to make ends meet, lives and dies in debt — while the ultra rich grow ever richer. To its society, in which young people have little to no chance of a decent life, and downward mobility is now the norm. Right down to its culture, where Instafluencers and comic-book heroes act as numbing, dumbing agents.

It’s in this context that mass shootings should be understood. There are symptoms of a collapsing society, but none quite ring alarm bells like regular massacres.

I’d never say that mass shootings aren’t about guns. Of course they are. But they are also about so much more. They are social collapse in one dismal, gruesome act of ultraviolence.

*snip*

[Woodswalker]

1. Or maybe lack of proper gun regulation.

To even think that we need to regulate "Assault Weapons" is insane. Isn't the word assault weapons enough to keep it as far away from society as possible?

[oioioi]

2. charts

----

[dalton99a]

14. +1

[greenjar_01]

3. ...

[montanacowboy]

4. That's heavy duty

I think I will send it to all my friends to cheer them up; more truth than fiction there

[usonian]

5. Things have causes.

This didn't happen out of the blue. It was orchestrated. I am pasting together some posts here.

For a good idea, read the 8-part series in DailyKos:
https://m.dailykos.com/stories/2021/8/6/2044226/-America-2021-The-Good-the-Bad-the-Ugly
“Democracy in Crisis: We’ve Been Headed Here for Decades.” Part 1of 8

Short version is that chaos means weak government, and that means little or no regulation of oligarchs. Period.
It's exactly the Nazi Germany playbook

Normalize hate and violence.
Stochastic terrorism.
Bring down elected government.

IT CAN BE STOPPED.

THIS IS NOT 1938 GERMANY.

Slightly longer: In recent times, three groups, oligarchs/tycoons, evangelical bullshitters, and the customary politicians have felt declining influence (of the persuasion variety) and have ganged up to gain secular/political power (of the brute force variety) riding the horse of racism, the oldest "vehicle" for gaining power in history. This gets their "base" and then again there are the usual lies like "trickle down economics" ( I call that golden showers) and other nationalistic crap.

For more details, read this great series on DKos
https://m.dailykos.com/stories/2021/8/6/2044226/-America-2021-The-Good-the-Bad-the-Ugly
“Democracy in Crisis: We’ve Been Headed Here for Decades.” Part 1of 8
Read all 8 to get the pattern in detail.

For a look into the crooked minds of the perpetrators, read
The Psychology of Genocide by Steven K. Baum. (2008)
He groups people into three categories: Perpetrators, Bystanders, and Rescuers.
How Frickin appropriate is that TODAY?

And, to get an idea how the "cult" behaves, read
When Society Becomes an Addict by Anne Wilson Schaef,
because cult behavior shares lots of patterns with addiction.
When you read the list, you will recognize lots of folks in the Wacko Party.

And those are my recommendations. I can't possibly summarize other than what's at the top.
I also referenced an article on the psychology of mass-shooters.
All one needs to know is that they are "groomed" ... no need to tell you who does that.

And I have said my peace!

[hedda_foil]

6. I'm afraid I am forced to have come to the same conclusion as the OP..

Our society is in the throes of collapse. The massacres are metaphor. The ritual sacrifice of children to the tribal totem of gunz is proof.

[Calculating]

7. People are at their breaking point over the economy, inflation and gas prices

When everyone is stressed not everyone will take it well.

[Mister Ed]

8. Were any of the recent mass murderers driven by economic anxiety?

I'm not seeing it. Not in Buffalo, not in Uvalde. Not at all.

[CrackityJones75]

19. I sort of agree with the posters point though

It may not JUST be economic pressure but rather ALL of the pressures that the media hate machine is feeding the country. These people are taking your jobs, these people are destroying our way of life, you and people like you ate pathetic, you don’t get to control your body, rent is going up, gas is going up, Surprise covid is here to fuck everything up even more…. Could go on and on and on but everyone is drinking for a shit water firehose. People are going to crack up because they are constantly told everything is bad and for a lot of people lots of things ARE bad and they snap the fuck out with easy access to weapons meant to annihilate many people.

Our society has focused on too much negativity and is under far too much pressure. It sounds absolutely fucking insane given how “rich” our country is and how many creature comforts we have but it is true that we are sick with it.

[mopinko]

10. it's about a lot more than money.

the stress of the last 2 yrs has aged me a decade. i had money problems, but nothing that wasnt gonna work out in the end.
but i've never had such a hard time getting along w people.

[CrackityJones75]

20. Agreed

[Hortensis]

12. Actually, well over 70% say they're doing okay-to-fine economically.

And even in normal times not all are. So that's not it, or most of it.

Agitprop encouraging ordinary people who don't read/listen beyond headlines to think it is IS part of it. After all, economic distress, real and imagined, is right out of How to Overthrow Democracies for Dummies.

And of course, for each of the more...ardent LW sorts who believe capitalism is in end times, at least 10,000 end-times RWers impatiently awaiting Armageddon and the Rapture are sure that's what they're seeing. Pew once reported 30M strong believers expecting it any time, and that was before.

Probably most of these latter types vote their faith-based, end-times hopes for the national collapse that'll prove them right, and keeping those fueled hot must be part of it when elections typically turn on a few percentages.

And, much else.

[Hugin]

15. +1

Yep. 100%

[betsuni]

23. +1

[anarch]

9. I would expect more of this around the world as the climate continues to go haywire

And especially if Europe ends up descending again into open warfare; add millions of refugees and terrible weather to the equation and, well, things aren't looking super-easy for the next several generations of humans.

[Hortensis]

24. Yes. Climate-fueled anxiety is now a huge factor and will grow,

different degrees different places. Many millions needing to migrate, most north, are inevitable.

I'd like to suggest to some here that this would be an extremely bad time to attempt the destruction of capitalism as both the engine of prosperity and technical vigor our planet's going to need every bit of and a critically necessary element of the endangered stability of 200 nations. Maybe once we get restabilized, using this era to try out some careful experiments in other ways where (because) special situations become compelling.

[anarch]

25. that's an interesting point of view

I would counter that suggestion with what seems pretty clear to me, in that we will never take any meaningful action to mitigate the impacts of climate change while we live under a global capitalist hegemony. I suppose in a sense we don't have to "attempt to destroy" capitalism, as it will collapse all on its own as it continues to insist upon unlimited growth on a planet with limited resources.

You seem to be saying that all technical advances and prosperity are all because of capitalism, which is absurd in my opinion. I would say on the other hand that the utter lack of any coordinated or useful action to mitigate climate change is pretty much due to the priorities of capitalist society--profit before people and planet, and all that.

[oioioi]

27. Fossil fuel begot capitalist profit - and remains at its foundation

Coal-powered industrialization made economies of scale and global transportation possible.

Unfortunately the true total cost of emissions (climate change) was never recognized within our economic and accounting models. They accounted only for the cost of production (land, labor and capital). As the consequent climate change is now upon us, it's increasingly apparent that this fundamental calculus must include emissions - otherwise we'll inevitably kill the goose that laid the golden egg - the conditions on earth necessary to sustain life as we know it.

The US consumes more gasoline - by far - than any other country in the world - the consumption statistics are astonishing:
https://www.indexmundi.com/energy/?product=gasoline&graph=consumption&display=rank

Gasoline in the US is cheaper than practically anywhere in the developed world:
https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/

Yet Americans consider current prices too high. This would be laughable if the implications weren't so serious for humanity. It isn't funny at all.

The current rate of emissions is clearly unsustainable. The price of fossil fuels should reflect this. An immediate re-tooling of the entire taxation system is needed to substantially increase prices. It's an emergency. And it is, indeed, an inconvenient truth.

[anarch]

29. and fossil fuel magnates pretty much call the shots, so to speak

not a great turn of phrase given the subject of this thread, but perhaps appropriate.

And as I see it, unless and until we get these planet-murdering greed-heads out of the driver's seat of our collective human society (such as it is), we're not going to be able to take any effective measures to reverse or even slow down the damage to our environment.

In line with what you are saying is this study, from a decade ago now, but nothing has really changed except to become more egregious:

https://grist.org/business-technology/none-of-the-worlds-top-industries-would-be-profitable-if-they-paid-for-the-natural-capital-they-use/

[oioioi]

30. Yes - and soon enough we will see the political consequences

either we act decisively now to make structural change, or we let civilization fall apart. Sadly - at least for our kids - it seems we're opting for the latter.

[Hortensis]

33. Lots of bits of truth, yet left entirely out of the picture are

the huge reasons capitalism became intrinsic to the vast growth of planetary wealth and wellbeing that is the only thing most of us have ever known. And apparently can't imagine being without.

VASTLY UN/UNDER-REGULATED, UNCONTROLLED capitalism is indisputably part of the huge problems we've brought ourselves to. However, it is NOT going to collapse and come to an end of itself, leading naturally to something better. That's wishful thinking, but serious, very knowledgeable people are studying what will work.

A first consideration is energy production. The 7.8 BILLION people on earth need current levels of energy maintained to avoid massive die-off, under ANY economic system. Capitalism, like any alternative imagined, needs adequate sustainable energy. Capitalism does not require fossil fuel energy. Replacement with sustainable energy from various sources is the future we already see because we must go there. Under ANY economic system.

As for the economic system, if there was something to replace capitalism that could enable a relatively quick and untraumatic transition for the support of 7.8 BILLION people, we would be seeing it happen in various nations. (Advanced European nations all have capitalist economies; it's not happening there.)

Again, remember, that our current populations and levels of wellbeing were made possible BY the engine of capitalism and energy development. Can't be eliminated without replacement in place.

The "collapse" being imagined could lead to by far the largest human disaster in the history of our planet.

Sustained failures of economic systems that currently support those over 7.8 BILLION people, assisted by huge problems like global warming, could lead to the deaths of billions, not just hundreds of millions. Those could also foreseeably include people blessed by being born into advanced nations; our privileged lives are interdependent with the rest of humanity. Infant formula isn't the only thing that can suddenly disappear from the shelves of markets across the U.S. Everything in supermarkets, big box stores and pharmacies can. And food's not like gravity -- it can disappear quickly -- and it can stay gone.

Gotta first protect what we have in order to survive. And we have to plan for everyone to survive, not just assume our privileged location will protect us and stop thinking with that.

(But, btw, GOT WATER?)

[anarch]

34. I'm still not following your argument here that capitalism is necessary or irreplacable

or even that it has been the primary engine of technological advance and relative global prosperity (which of course relies on the exploitation of the working class in general, and the resources of the global south particularly). Yes, it has been the most dynamic and impressive economic system in all of human history as far as we know it, but for much of the 20th century when advances in technology and industry were most dramatic, it was during times of global war and largely accomplished by state entities taking control of the means of production, which is sort, you know, the opposite of capitalism.

Nothing is replacing capitalism as our de facto global system of production and distribution because the capitalists, and particularly the fossil fuel capitalists, run everything and have whole-ass military forces at their disposal to make sure those systems stay in place, and whenever anybody tries anything else they are blockaded, or invaded, or the CIA ratfucks their whole country for the sake of retaining access to their resources and preserving corporate profits.

Of course nothing better is going to automatically replace what we have now if/when the whole house of cards comes tumbling down; we'll probably have several centuries of total chaos and billions of people will die--personally I think it's probably too late to avoid at this point, although there's still plenty we could do to mitigate some of the worst of it, but only if we take drastic action now--which would have to include some downsizing (e.g., things that are anathema to capitalists), and would be extremely unpleasant for a lot of people, but theoretically less so than just allowing society to collapse. I don't see it as "wishful thinking;" and I don't think we're imagining what we're seeing now in the world (including, as was the point of the article, people snapping and going on shooting rampages), I think the ongoing collapse/crisis is very real.

But as to your point that the world needs to continue the energy usage we currently burn through, and that it needs to be sustainable--well, that's exactly the problem, isn't it? What we are doing now is not sustainable, under any economic system, that is absolutely true (as I see it). Of course we have to protect what we have--do you think that if we as a society eventually move on from capitalist modes of production, we would just destroy all the infrastructure we have now because it was made by capitalists? From my perspective, we need to protect what we have and refocus our efforts on using it to improve the material conditions of common people.

Also, yes I think you are right--upcoming water scarcity and desertification is going to make these times of $6.00 per gallon gasoline or what have you seem like halcyon days. We'd better do something, and quickly.

[oioioi]

36. Thanks for the thoughtful discussion - some remaining observations...

Our approach to wealth distribution since the nineteenth century has cumulatively privatized revenue (as net profit) and socialized the costs (as climate change). We're rapidly approaching a point at which accelerating climate change will impact practically all life on earth. Once that inevitable realization emerges within the masses, there is no political system on earth that could withstand their collective wrath and desperation for survival.

The point being made here is that this may already be occurring. There is no way we can replace current fossil fuel energy output with renewables in time to avoid this catastrophe. The smart money in the ivory skyscrapers of our capitalist oligarchy already understand this - and the drawbridges are being pulled up accordingly. Neither capitalism or socialism can save the world - only an immediate and massive reduction in global energy consumption could conceivably do so.

Agreed, we are not seeing Europeans rejecting capitalism/oligarchy - on the contrary, they too are shuffling towards increasing authoritarianism, fascism and national conflict as an increasingly disenfranchised populace seek something - anything but themselves - to blame for their sense of loss and lack of economic potential. The US right wing's steadfast refusal to acknowledge that easier access to firearms is a significant factor in the increasing frequency of mass shootings is not only analogous to this development - it's a manifestation of it.

So, what we call capitalism today will almost certainly devolve ungracefully into something much worse. The western economic and monetary system relies on a presumption of price and climate stability - once we lose faith in those then all bets are off - and natural selection (the only political system that really matters) will presumably take its course.

[Baitball Blogger]

11. Or it is a sign of a major transition and transformation

[Hugin]

13. I lean toward agreement with you.

Have you ever seen the 1987 movie, “Empire of the Sun”?

In it there’s a character Basie. Basie is a hustler who has survived by recognizing periods of transition and transformation. He takes advantage of the ensuing chaos to opportunistically loot and pillage. He also recognizes such periods are temporary and are followed by some form of governance during which he has to conform or hide for a period of time to survive. He implies there is no guarantee the governance will be more civilized than the one preceding it. In fact it’s usually worse. His goal at the end of the movie is to steal enough to be at the top of the hierarchy in the next period of governance.

I realize this is fiction. However, it was based on the semi autobiographical writing of J G Ballard and there are some profound truths in it.

It seems to me we’re awash with Basies right now who firmly believe that if they can steal enough they will be making the rules. It is possible that the worst of them might. But, what usually happens is that those who have the most when the strife begins end up with more when it ends and remain making the rules. Historically anyway.

The only way something better emerges is if those who have empathy, fairness, and compromise prevail in forming what comes next.

Who are these people right now? Who has a plan?

[Baitball Blogger]

16. Jesus. It sounds prescient. Definitely will read or watch that one.

Last edited Sat Jun 4, 2022, 12:29 PM - Edit history (1)

Sad to think that we have been watching is one big steal. But, since so many billionaires have been made in the last few years, look to them for the Basies and/or the people who will determine which direction this country is going to go.

[Hugin]

18. In spite of my personal moratorium on speculative dystopian media...

The movie was on around a year ago and I made an exception calling it a work of historic dystopia and rewatched it.

Very profound and disturbing. Made more so by context.

Maybe I should read the book.

[planetc]

17. I disagree with Umair

Mostly, I think he's building a case he thinks is conclusive on a very small and rickety foundation. He and his wife discovered a cafe in America that wouldn't give free water to a homeless guy who had just collapsed from heat stroke, perhaps. In Europe, the cafe brought their homeless guy tea and something to eat. The list of broad generalizations Umair cites is accurate: income disparity, lack of social supports for everybody, an unresponsive government--all true, but not the whole story. In America, despite the insane medical "system," you don't have to go through chemo by yourself. There will be a cancer support group, providing information and conversation. Your child was killed by a drunk driver? MADD. You want to become a citizen? A non-profit will send an ESL teacher who can coach you in the citizenship exam. There's a Food-Net for the county and a food pantry in the local church.

People are still capable of responding to social needs, and effectively. There are some rough times coming, and happening now, for that matter, but the ingenuity and determination of human beings to survive should never be underestimated.

[betsuni]

22. +1

[ecstatic]

21. Of course. And each mass shooting

is making people who wouldn't normally think about purchasing guns, think about purchasing guns. A lot of the new gun owners, like many of the current ones, won't be prepared, responsible or mentally equipped to handle a gun.

If any elected republicans have a conscience or any trace of common sense, they know that our nation's existence is in jeopardy right now. And while Democrats can't force them to vote a certain way, we have to use our power. Even if it's just symbolic or noise making. How many times did rethugs hold failed votes on overturning the aca? We need to be doing the same thing with regard to the issues that rethugs are stonewalling on: voting rights, gun laws, and yes, police brutality.

An often unspoken and unaddressed issue that we're facing is the current insubordination of police. This "crime wave" is not random or just because of the pandemic. It is an intentional strategy being used by police departments and their judicial / law enforcement counterparts across this country to hold on to unchecked power, and it's working. But how long can this nation last when specific groups of people continue to be targeted and terrorized by law enforcement? I get that this is how it's been for hundreds of years, but it's 2022 now and people have social media, cameras and other ways of communicating and organizing. With the "turn the other cheek" strategy falling flat, people will resort to other means if this isn't addressed and soon.

[ancianita]

26. Nope. It's a sign of nonexistent regulation. Regulative systems are viable. So "collapse" is lingo.

[betsuni]

28. That's very dramatic, but extremely easy access to guns is the problem.

[kentuck]

31. All because of the lackadaisical approach to assault weapons and the 2nd Amendment.

It was an invite to disaster.

[Shanti Shanti Shanti]

32. It's a sign hot blooded males that used to go to die in cannon fodder wars are now suicide by cop

[Elessar Zappa]

35. No.