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The online user is in a symbiotic relationship with the virtual world, which is optimal for dependency and cultural scripting. Big Tech is our Momma who bounces us on her knee and tells us how to live. The user is Mindless (passive) and Joyless (split from the body): a state of simple consciousness (i.e., Infant). This dependency contract (Mother-Infant) and the technological form holds us in place (e.g., in front of a desk or clutching a device). We brand and curate our online persona to make an Empire of the Self. The script is to become the Top Gun in order to “win” in the entrepreneurial game. To make oneself into a perfected trophy that goes “viral”. YouTube’s slogan is “Broadcast Yourself,” which means track, record, upload, share, and incorporate the self for monetization. The mass shooter is the grandiose reflection of this scripting. Their act is neo-fascistic and imperialistic (i.e., a forced symbiosis for domination). For many of the killers, the Columbine massacre is the model that is remodeled: a performance of exhibitionistic revenge (violence/suicide) intended for online virality. The solution is to meet passivity (violence) with consciously passive behavior (withdrawal, contemplation, meditation). A stay-at-home-day where we connect and love one another.
From the MSSA conference material (description and learning objectives):
In the U.S., 51 people die from mass shootings each year. However, over 100 people are killed by guns each day. What do we know about American culture, violence, and mass shooters in the U.S.? How does online self-promotion for Likes and Friends relate to these phenomena? This lecture will present data on mass shootings, analyses of Big Tech, and illustrations of American culture to comprehend the truth of the present situation.
Learning Objective 1: Learn the statistics on mass shooters and their personality structure.
Learning Objective 2: Explore the U.S. cultural scripting related to competition and violence, i.e., passive means to solve problems.
Learning Objective 3: Examine the connective links between Big Tech, fame-seeking, and mass shootings.
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