The Tape Debate
The decision by NBC to air snippets of the video that was sent to them by Cho Seung-Hui caused much heated debates and a public backlash. In fact, all day Thursday, NBC has had to time and time again defend its decision to air the video.
I’m not so sure it was wrong for NBC to release the video, I think it was important for us to realize what could cause a person to act out his rage in such a brutal, sick, and murderous way. I realize the other contentions in this debate, that maybe it has shifted the focus from the victims and instead put the limelight onto the shooter himself. I’m sure this was the goal of the shooter when he sent his multimedia manifesto in between the two shootings.
This debate may not have occurred if the editorial decision made by NBC to air snippets of the video could’ve been made a bit later on in this horrific process of trying to understand this tragedy. Had they waited maybe a week or so, I think the backlash may not have been so harsh.
Even law officials and investigators involved in the case showed their dismay by the decision of NBC. In either case, the video is out there, we decided ourselves to air it here on Tingog.com, but in all honesty self censorship has never been my forte either.
You decide for yourself if you want to watch it. Hey, there’s a play button, all you have to do is not press play.
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I don’t think NBC made a blunder in this one. I was not insensitive and time is not a factor. The rationale I think is to enlighten the public in what is going on inside the shooter’s mind. Discrimination is not new, even if the walls have been breached on this, it is still practiced by many. Discrimination of course is not contained to race but by looks, behavior and social class. To further understand Cho, we have to delve into his past which triggered this sad event. Those who are appalled by the tape should stop and think if they are in a state of denial.
Schumey,
Excellent point. Very well said.
I think as more individuals look at the tapes, they soon see a man that is out of touch, insane, weak, and mentally disturbed.
Reports have surfaced in interviews with Cho’s high school classmates of a person who was bullied as well.
To understand the situation, we have to face the fact that the trigger man started the tragedy, but our understanding, our faith, our healing, and the stories of the victims will soon be the overwhelming focus.
We need to respect the healing process, and sadly, understanding the shooter maybe the first part of that process…
Look, they shouldn’t have released the videos! This guy was a sick bastard, a loser in every aspect, and showing the video it only gave him more power.
A dead man can never have power unless those who still live would give him that power. I think he is sick but let’s not call him a bastard or a loser. If the families of those he killed understand him, why shouldn’t the we?
We have to take into consideration the factors which drove him to commit such an act. Let’s be analytical than be judgemental otherwise, we will never be able to learn from a tragedy of this magnitude.
Schumey,
I think in the end, there were just a lack of cohesiveness in the system. Had there been actual help afforded to this individual, he would’ve been either treated for his mental illness, institutionalized, or at least deemed unfit to bear arms as well as have more people informed of his state of mind.
As individuals who are not closely involved in the issue, I think we must follow the lead of the Virginia Tech community, and be understanding to all that was involved.