"Video Seethes With Unexplained Anger"
(http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/19/Worldandnation/Video_seethes_with_un.shtml)
When I think about how Cho slaughtered all those bright, young people in cold blood, it occurs to me that Cho had some factors in common with the Columbine shooters: First, it is clear he was a loner. Second, he had a deep resentment against the "popular" or "rich" kids.
When Cho talks about being spit on and forced to eat garbage, I don't think he means that metaphorically. I think Cho was bullied in school. The Columbine shooters were bullied in school. They had asked the administration to intervene and were refused any help.
What does the “aggressive victim” mentality mean to our society? Sure Cho was crazy. Sure he is fully to blame. Cho didn't take personal responsibility for his own happiness; instead he chose to blame others.
Even so, I’d be willing to bet some snobby “popular” middle-school kids did bully Cho terribly. And the teachers did not protect him or stand up for what is right. These episodes are rampant. A nationwide K-12 policy should put the burden on teachers and school administrators to enforce zero-tolerance on bullying, power plays, flaunty cliques, and even "loners."
In recent years, victims of bullies are now suing bullies, teachers, and the school. It also appears that victims of bullies are now going on shooting sprees.
Allowing aloneness does not teach kids how to get along in society. Science is revealing the incredible power of social support in preventing disease, depression, stress, and even heart attacks and cancer. Teachers, bullying occurs during unstructured time: When you see a loner kid, consistently help him or her connect. You may just be preventing the next massacre.
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