A Facebook friend shared a map and article about gun violence in America. She lamented that she's "always dreamed of living abroad and never has that desire been greater than now".

Gun map 500

I can sympathize with her, but not because of America's gun violence, but rather, the attack on free speech by the PC left... (But that's another post).

Anyway, is it really the guns? 98% of the people around me have guns, and there's rarely any gun violence (and very low violent crime). That's because criminals know most citizens are packing heat.

What's changed over the years, in my opinion, is the de-humanizing of people via video games, movies and the internet. People become mere avatars--non-living symbols. Hell, look at how many people lurch around with their noses in devices--while walking, driving, eating at restaurants, etc. 

People rarely talk to one another anymore. They don't look in another's eye. Online, character assassination, stalking and bullying is rampant--not only because cowards hide behind anonymyity, but also because targets become mere avatars--symbols of what the tormentor doesn't like (not to mention, reactions against their own insecurities, fears and projections). 

What are your thoughts, dear readers? (By the way, I didn't post this to argue politics or gun control, but rather, discuss the theory that an increase in violence and bullying may be tied to the objectification of fellow humans--largely as a result of dwelling in a cyberworld rather than the "real" world). 

Note: I do believe it needs to be more difficult to obtain guns, that gun shows (and automatic weapons) should be outlawed and that those with psychiatric histories prevented from buying firearms.