We all must oppose culture of violence

Are you disgusted by the school shootings?

Are you looking for an answer as to why someone would become a terrorist and kill innocents at a middle school or university of higher learning?

My observation is rather simple. America is a country and people who have become fixated on sensationalism and extreme violence.

The more violent and sensational the story, the more the media pick up on it.

The more viewers or listeners support the stories with their time, the more advertisers will pay for the air or print time.

The more violent we become, the more the extreme movie, TV show or video game will sell.

The concept is rather simple. It is ratings and money that matter, not the product or the audience.

I do not recall any of the gunmen to be over the age of 35 so logic tells me that they are of an age and are a part of a society nursed on sensationalism and extreme violence.

Until our society turns the tide on the acceptance of extreme violence and its sensationalism, the happenings at Northern Illinois on Valentines Day will continue.

The terrorism at Northern had little to do with the weaponry used and everything to do with what was in the terrorist mind and heart.

If you support the companies and media outlets who supply extreme violence, you are as much to blame as the weapons used to kill.

Mark Stastny

Rolling Meadows