Do popular US wars also help to popularize gun violence, you think?

[Andy F]

I'm not saying that wars are the ONLY cause of increased incidents of mass shootings in American shopping malls, schools, universities, etc.

But when most of the American media & a big fraction of the American population both cheer loudly as US forces invade Afghanistan in retaliation for the 9-11 attacks -- could that be legitimizing the idea of gun-related violence in the minds of psychologically disturbed people here at home?

What about when countless communities and most of the mainstream media voice their fervent support for US soldiers serving as "heroes" in violent places in Iraq?

Do you think this could help to popularize the idea of shooting & killing other people, as the best way of solving either personal or social problems?

What about the after-effects of war -- including PTSD, homelessness, divorce, psychological depression, etc. -- on returning veterans?

Could war's emotional and psychological effects on our vets possibly be contributing to our apparent national epidemic of mass shooting-related incidents?

[Jenny]

Actually, there is no increase in mass killings and just which war is popular.

[Stormy thoughts!]

We've cut funding on mental health. More funding is needed

[Philip]

Yes, without a doubt.

When a country goes to war, it makes a public statement that might is right. When that is a war of choice it further demonstrates that violence is a viable solution.

The side effects you mention help break down society and increase the risk of violence. We also see that the media (including video games) often choose war-related scenarios that contribute to the overall violence of society.

I'm not sure how closely related our war culture is to mass-shootings in particular, but there is no doubt that they contribute the violence and a high homicide rate in general.