Continued Teenage Violence Part 2

This brings to mind research conducted by Harry Harlow with rhesus monkeys at the University of Wisconsin and the development of attachment. In a series of experiments, Harlow and associates constructed a wire-mesh “mother” and a wire- mesh “mother” covered with Terry cloth. Even though the wire mesh mother, had a bottle attached to its wire mesh chest, these infant monkeys preferred the terrycloth mother. With the terrycloth mother, the infant rhesus monkeys preferred them; it reduced their fear, and these monkeys were more likely to explore the open space around the strange and threatening wire- mesh mother. According to theory, attachment was not established with the wire meshed “mother.” Let’s apply infant attachment to humans and the psychological ability to develop a sense of trust and security. It’s my guess, that the 17-year-old perpetrator had a wire- mesh caretaker and thus was unable develop a sense of trust and developed a sense of mistrust Instead. When the development of trust is impaired, the humankind emotionally experiences an unhealthy degree of anxiety and insecurity. He can no longer expect that his safety and other needs are going to be met by significant others or by our institutions. This results in frustration and anger. The displacement of this anger can be directed toward self and others that have foreign ideas, beliefs and attitudes. This is coupled with the reliance on self to meet one’s needs. Thus, this personality type developed an unhealthy degree of narcissism. Unfortunately, this character type also developed emotional impairment, sadomasochistic tendencies and violent behavior patterns. Prior to the industrial civilization, we experienced a “we or us” psychological mentality. However, we have evolved, and currently the focus is on individuality, becoming all that you can be, striving to meet one’s potential, acquiring as much wealth as possible in the “ me” narcissistic culture. Just keep on buying, whether it’s that dream house, exotic vacation, latest app, fastest sports car or latest killing weapon. And remember, according to capitalism, greed and debt are good as they further, the economic dynamics of those in the 1%. However, there is widespread alienation, isolation, emotional disturbance among our population. The statistics on violence, suicide, drug abuse, accidents and economic variability are symptoms. There is a major gap between what once was “real” family and the current inability of the government and political system to take over all those necessary caretaking functions. These troubled homegrown killer- victims have fallen through the cracks and stand out like a sore thumb with their acts of violence. Society has not yet created the institutions for creating an emotionally close, safety net with ideal surrogate parenting for all.