YET another mass shooting in the United States, , at an Iowa church, has claimed three lives. Only a few days ago, a mass shooting in Texas killed at least 18 innocent children. That came just 10 days after a shooting put an end to 10 lives in Buffalo, New York.

Are gun control laws solely to be blamed for the unstoppable mass shootings in the US?

Those who are pointing at the US gun control policies might want to reconsider the origin of these violent crimes in their country. They have not succeeded in changing the gun control act nor will they in the near future. Even if they do succeed, will it eliminate gun violence in the US?

Contrary to common belief, it is not education and wealth that make the citizens of a nation safe and happy. At least, the US is a good example of the baselessness of such a claim. The country certainly has more than enough “education” and money for a civilised nation.

It is the moral standing of a society that shapes the mind of the citizens. Even if a tiny fraction of the citizens are negatively influenced by the social and cultural norms, that is enough to create unrest for the whole nation. Economic or technological advancements mean nothing when the society is repeatedly shattered by gun or any other forms of violence, such as communal clashes.

It is important for everyone to look very carefully at why a country like the US is facing such unprecedented shootings. The US reached the pinnacle of success in a very short time, beginning in 1776 with the declaration of the Second Continental Congress for the independence of the colonies as the “United States”, led by general George Washington. While having mighty success in science and technology, industrialisation, urbanisation, and what not; did the nation fail to educate humanity to its citizens?

Discrimination and racism towards black people have long been officially eradicated in the USA. But has the racial ethos gone away or just put to a transient halt by force? How about the “eat drink and be merry” way of life that has been encouraged for the young generations? What about the extended freedom given to the children?

With civilised freedom, children wait for their time to go wild. They know that no one can control or stop them in how they want to enjoy their life and freedom.

These are just a few of many social and moral factors that should be studied in the education of the next generations. It is vital to teach the young humanity and human values to build a civilised nation. In the modern education system, we learn how to claim our superiority in as many ways as possible as a means to motivate ourselves. Ironically, that diminishes our sense of humility as well as compassion and tolerance for others.

Loss of compassion and tolerance for others and pride or a superiority complex have been identified as the major causes of communal violence in the US.

No country should take mass shootings lightly. Merely diagnosing a shooter with one form of psychological disorder or another or blaming his actions on an unhappy family life is not going to end the problem. Social scientists need to scrutinise every aspect of social life that might have contributed to the behavioural changes of those shooters.

As a note of caution, it is important to realise that we all live on the same planet. Like the coronavirus, violent behaviour can cross borders and in many different forms. Any nation must face a wild violent human nature unless it is tamed with humanity and human values.  Will this latest school shooting serve as a wake-up call for mankind? – June 4, 2022.

* Prof Mohammad Tariqur Rahman reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.