Why are so many people mad at the news for showing Cho's video?

Question

I don't think theres anything wrong with it, I think it will help people see the trouble signs if this were to occure at another school.

Answer 1

Hey! I just posted a similar question. I don't see anything wrong with it either. It helps to show America/the world what was wrong with this boy. I think two days after the incident to plaster it all over the air was a little stupid, but... this is America and that's what people do. I feel so terrible for the families, and his family as well. I can't even begin to imagine their pain and suffering. He was seriously messed up and no, that does not justify what he did by ANY means, but it shows that he has been this way for a while. It shows that, granted, there may have been no signs that he would do anything this drastic, but he needed help and two years ago when they tried, they should have tried harder. Being ridiculed the way he was in high school because of how he wrote with comments like "Go back to China" and how former classmates said he would hang his head in shame and sorrow, it kind of makes you sad for him. It kind of makes you wish this world wasn't such a disgusting place and that someone would have been his friend and this wouldn't have had to happen. Again, his actions are not justified, those people were innocent, and did not deserve what happened... But God makes things happen for reasons we don't understand... nothing like this ever makes sense.

RIP Victims of VT Shootings * April 16, 2007
and also, let's not forget since tomorrow is the anniversary
RIP Victimes of Columbine * April 20, 1999 [can you believe it's been 8 years?]

Answer 2

I agree with needing to be able to recognize signs of trouble. But we know what he looks like. And replaying his image endlessly is exactly what he wanted, or he wouldn't have sent that package to NBC. In effect, it glorifies him and the unspeakable acts he committed. There is a reason we don't count mass murderers in the official body count when they kill themselves in the end. It gives the murderer recognition they don't deserve. The media should stop showing images of Cho and focus more on all those students who will never be able to walk to the podium and receive the degrees they are about to be awarded.

Answer 3

Cho practically sent a press package promoting his distorted views, along with images of him posing with guns drawn at the camera, and the press completely fulfilled his intentions, making him a matryr, and now we whenever he is mentioned, that image of him will pop up.

Imagine having your friend or family member killed by this guy, and they are showing videos of him strutting his ideals and reasons why he had to do what he did. The images of him with the guns and knives will haunt these individuals forever. Even the students who never encountered him directly will be haunted by that image.

I logged onto CNN.com and saw the barrel of his gun pointed at me, and it angered me. They have since replaced the splash page with victims' photos, rightfully so, even if it's a bit late.

Answer 4

There may be validity to your idea that the video may help some people to understand the killer's mind. I doubt that it will help most people in recognizing danger signs, since I don't think he said these things to others before.
But I don't think it should have been shown on TV. It should have been made available, but not showcased like that.
I would prefer to have featured the heroic actions of those who saved lives.

Answer 5

You weren't already able to tell who's weird? It was tasteless and pointless. Moreover, all this coverage only encourages the next kook to go for a new record. It's part of the psychology of these folks, and the networks know it. They published it purely for the old "journalistic" reason: "If it bleeds, it leads."

Answer 6

I agree with you,,to a point. People are mad bc it glorifies him in a way. Why give a madman more exposure. Think if you in the victims family..

Answer 7

The loved ones of the victims might not be able to handle watching that this soon. I agree it is rather riddiculous though!

Answer 8

because thas what CHO wanted.... why should they give him what he wanted for killing all those people. do u know how painful it is for the family members to see these images??

Answer 9

People like "gore" and that is why they watch....while the networks cash in $$

Answer 10

Its aiding in de-sensitizing America. Being desensitized to horriffic violence can make it "easier" to do what he did - if you see enough, its not as sick or twisted to you anymore.