Following the most recent episode of mass murder in U.S. history, representatives from almost every news service in America have descended on Aurora, Colorado, to bring us excruciating details of the perpetrator's violent deeds and personal history. In effect, his careful planning and ruthless action have achieved their intended goal.
Such events are, indeed, one of the more assured routes to celebrity in human society. Deranged loners, seeking attention and fame, vent their anger on innocent victims and, in the process, become permanent fixtures in the recurring cycle of violence and tragedy. America, of course, is the perfect setting for these mass murders, with its social freedoms, lax gun laws and competitive media industry. Whatever fame is not endowed by the event itself will be assured during frenzied coverage of the trial and by the ongoing talk shows, documentaries and crime story programming that follow.
I do not wish to imply that the tragedy itself does not deserve appropriate coverage and scrutiny. Sensitive remembrance of the innocent victims and discussion of how such events might be prevented in the future deserve the attention that they receive. On the other hand, detailed coverage of the attack, deaths and injuries feeds a disturbing morbid voyeurism in human society and contributes to the devious goals of the perpetrator.
