Evaluating Mass Shootout and Gun Control Policy

Running head: EVALUATING MASS SHOOTOUT AND GUN CONTROL POLICY
Evaluating mass shootout and gun control policy
Name of Student
Name of University
Author note

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EVALUATING MASS SHOOTOUT AND GUN CONTROL POLICY
The central motive of Moyer’s thesis is to address the key issue behind massacres like
mass shooting. The article criticizes media and the highhandedness it allows politicians in
shifting the focus of gun violence from delinquent gun control to mental illness. Moyer argues
how mental illness is used as a scapegoat for reasoning violent outrages and how it strategically
enables politicians and lawmakers to escape blame for not implementing proper gun control
policies. In short, the article aims to expose the false, media-constructed connection between
mass carnages and mental illness. Firstly, it points out how issues related to mental disorders is
only brought to attention whenever there is a mass outbreak. Not only is this the most convenient
explanations for mishaps, but is also a safe bet, as it targets a particular section of population
whom powerful people view as the ‘other’ or worthless. Secondly, the thesis points out how
mental disorder is used as a ploy to avoid any real progress made in the policies of gun control.
Finally, it calls for mass awareness about the false consciousness created by media regarding
mental illness, and the necessity of identifying the root cause of detrimental issues instead of
letting few powerful representatives brainwash us and speak on our behalf (Theodysseyonline.,
2018).
Mental illness cannot be the mandatory and only reason for mishaps like mass shooting
and Moyer has rightly pointed out the ridiculousness of associating gun violence with
psychological disorders (Webster et al, 2015).Her observations on media hypocrisy and the ways
government officials control and filter news is highly thought provoking and provides a suitable
explanation for the sudden surge of mental health awareness (Rose et al, 2014).However, her
opinion on the nature of mental illness suffers certain loopholes as she has generalized lunatics
as victims of violence and abuse. Whereas individuals suffering abuse are more prone to
developing mental illnesses, the world has witnessed high functioning psychopaths with