Senseless Violence: A Twenty-First-Century Epidemic—An Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book defines senseless violence and then explores microaggression and violence that is politically and socially motivated. It addresses a specific and most disturbing case of senseless violence, that of a parent killing his/her child. The book discusses the concepts of pointlessness, patternlessness, and deterioration of multiple-victim school shootings gleaned from empirical research about the phenomenon. It examines the Holocaust, which he terms "one of history's greatest atrocities", and offers an analytic, integrative review of select themes associated with the Holocaust. The book emphasizes the importance of having a greater understanding of the sheer brutality of violence perpetuated in the Holocaust. It explores the connection between violent video games and desensitization to violence, decreased empathy and prosocial behavior, and aggressive thoughts and behaviors. The book concludes by suggesting ways that can be utilized to reduce that violence.