October 4, 2013 - In case you don't recognize him, the shooter made a previous appearance in this comic. It'd always been intended that an incident would occur at the clinic in light of the death of George Tiller as well as other violent actions abortion providers and clinics have endured and ongoing concerns about violence at such facilities, but it was important to me not to lump such action among the those identifying as "pro-life" focusing instead on someone who's specifically "anti-choice." Anti-choice has a bit broader definition encompassing all those that want to control women's bodies, including those who would try to force women to have an abortion (especially in this context).
I don't want to speculate too much more on the shooter's motivations. They function for those that are curious, but I don't think overanalyzing them alone bring about much resolution. Despite news media's seeming lack of interest covering anything but the background of the shooter when incidents such as this occur, there are many more people affected by such an event than just the shooter and I'd rather focus on them. Star, Mary, the employees of the clinic, innocent bystanders (such as the protestors), the families of all these people (and the family of the shooter for that matter), all have their own stories, and to ignore the pain they go through dehumanizes their experience, in some ways almost validating the shooter's disregard for their own lives. It's important to acknowledge how dispicable these actions are. It's important to show who the victims are and how so many people can be hurt. Yes, Star is in physical pain that if she survives will leave significant physical scars, but what about mental anguish she may face, or for that matter Mary, who wasn't even shot, or Aaron, who isn't even there, and everyone else? We all get affected by such actions, and reminding us how painful they can be seems a bit more productive than broad speculation that never seems to amount to much of a solution or any real change. Take for example this piece 60 minutes ran regarding how we treat mental health in the US or the lack of reform regarding gun ownership despite the majority of the population generally supporting it. I can't guarantee any of this would make a difference, but doing nothing certainly doesn't seem to be working.
On more upbeat news, Wendy Davis announced her candidacy yesterday. I think the timing's less than great considering the shutdown, and most analysts seem pessimistic about her chances, but to have a candidate for governor running in a fairly solidly conservative state with a prominent outspoken stance in favor of a woman's right to choose is kinda a big deal.
-D
I don't want to speculate too much more on the shooter's motivations. They function for those that are curious, but I don't think overanalyzing them alone bring about much resolution. Despite news media's seeming lack of interest covering anything but the background of the shooter when incidents such as this occur, there are many more people affected by such an event than just the shooter and I'd rather focus on them. Star, Mary, the employees of the clinic, innocent bystanders (such as the protestors), the families of all these people (and the family of the shooter for that matter), all have their own stories, and to ignore the pain they go through dehumanizes their experience, in some ways almost validating the shooter's disregard for their own lives. It's important to acknowledge how dispicable these actions are. It's important to show who the victims are and how so many people can be hurt. Yes, Star is in physical pain that if she survives will leave significant physical scars, but what about mental anguish she may face, or for that matter Mary, who wasn't even shot, or Aaron, who isn't even there, and everyone else? We all get affected by such actions, and reminding us how painful they can be seems a bit more productive than broad speculation that never seems to amount to much of a solution or any real change. Take for example this piece 60 minutes ran regarding how we treat mental health in the US or the lack of reform regarding gun ownership despite the majority of the population generally supporting it. I can't guarantee any of this would make a difference, but doing nothing certainly doesn't seem to be working.
On more upbeat news, Wendy Davis announced her candidacy yesterday. I think the timing's less than great considering the shutdown, and most analysts seem pessimistic about her chances, but to have a candidate for governor running in a fairly solidly conservative state with a prominent outspoken stance in favor of a woman's right to choose is kinda a big deal.
-D
comments powered by Disqus
