In the aftermath of violent attacks, such as the stabbings on a Portland train and the London Bridge incident, I’ve been reflecting on the stark differences in how these perpetrators are portrayed online. It appears that the white supremacist involved in the Portland stabbings was quickly labeled “mentally ill,” while the three attackers in London, who drove a vehicle into a crowd and stabbed individuals indiscriminately, were seldom described in the same light.
This pattern isn’t limited to recent events; it permeates discussions surrounding mass shootings in the United States as well. For instance, figures like Jason Miller, who fatally shot nine individuals during a church gathering, and Mark Thompson, responsible for six murders after expressing his disdain for women, have often been viewed through the lens of mental health. Numerous media outlets have depicted them as victims of a flawed mental health system, suggesting that their horrific actions stemmed from mental instability. The common narrative seems to be that no rational person would engage in such violence, regardless of their extremist beliefs.
In stark contrast, Omar Khan, who killed 49 people at a nightclub, was primarily branded a “radical terrorist,” with little attention paid to any mental health considerations. While there were some discussions about his personal struggles, there was no extensive analysis of his mental well-being, despite the fact that his actions were equally unfathomable.
The troubling fact is that when a white individual commits a heinous crime, there tends to be an instinct to seek explanations rooted in mental health. Conversely, brown or black perpetrators often evoke terms like “thuggery” or “pure evil,” which dismiss the possibility of mental health influences. This discrepancy raises critical questions about our biases and societal perceptions.
Both Jason Miller and Mark Thompson were extremists, driven by their radical beliefs. Miller was a white supremacist who murdered innocent churchgoers, while Thompson was a misogynist whose manifesto revealed a troubling mindset. While it’s feasible that they suffered from mental illness, can we not also entertain that all individuals who commit acts of terrorism are operating outside the boundaries of normal psychological functioning? Are their motivations truly less threatening to society than those of extremists from different backgrounds?
It seems that many view white offenders as anomalies, leading us to consider their mental health, while those with darker skin tones are often seen as simply malevolent. This skewed perception raises the question of why we readily label white murderers as mentally unstable but hastily categorize brown murderers as evil.
The legacy of white supremacy in the U.S. has long inflicted terror on marginalized communities, with many perpetrators not necessarily diagnosed with mental illness but rather fueled by deeply ingrained racism. It’s essential to recognize that far-right extremists have committed more acts of terror in the U.S. than radical jihadists, leading us to question the mental state of these attackers as well. Ultimately, anyone who commits mass murder is likely operating outside of rational thought.
Radicalization is a complex issue that impacts individuals across various backgrounds, and it’s crucial that we do not isolate this phenomenon to specific demographics. While we must acknowledge the existence of violent radicals from Muslim backgrounds, we should equally scrutinize the radicalization of disenchanted white individuals in our own communities. They are often part of networks that perpetuate hate and extremism, making them a significant concern.
If we are alarmed by radical Islamist extremists, we should equally be concerned about radicalized white individuals wielding firearms. The analysis of their actions and psychological states should not differ based on the color of their skin. Extremism is extremism, regardless of whether the perpetrator is brown, white, Muslim, or Christian.
It’s time to hold all individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their background. Let’s not afford a psychological benefit of the doubt to white male perpetrators that we don’t extend to others. Radicalism and extremism are universal issues that demand a comprehensive and unbiased approach.
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In summary, our societal perceptions of terrorism and the mental health of its perpetrators reveal deep-rooted biases that need to be addressed. By recognizing extremism as a universal issue, we can work towards a more equitable understanding of violence and its roots.