The tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona this past weekend has revived the debate on the power of words and the connections, if any, between political rhetoric and violent acts. Within hours of Saturday's attack, speculations about what prompted a 22 year old to open fire at a peaceful gathering rang out across the country.
Ironically the day before the massacre, Congresswomen Gabriel Gifford, who is a Democrat, e-mailed a Republican friend, Kentucky's secretary of state, Trey Garyson and commented "I think that we need to figure out how to tone our rhetoric and partisanship down." After the shooting the impact of rhetoric (words) were discussed on cable talk shows, radio programs and on Capitol Hill.
After the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the country had a similar conversation and then President Clinton appealed to Americans to denounce the forces of fear. This week Congress, amid the back-and-forth over the Tucson shootings, there have been calls for calm from both sides.
*The first five minutes of this video summarize the rhetoric debate.
Quotes
"When you look at unbalanced people, how they are -- how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government, the anger, the hatred, the -- the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous." Clarence Dupnik, Pima County, Ariz., Sheriff
"When there is talk of hatred, let us stand up and talk against it. When there is talk of violence, let us stand up and talk against it. In the face of death, let us honor life." Bill Clinton, former U.S. President
Warm Up Questions
1.What causes people to commit violence?2.What is the relationship between speech and violence?
Discussion Questions
1.Do you think that political rhetoric can incite violence? Why or why not?2.Who spoke in the video? Who did you agree with? Who did you disagree with?3. Do you think anyone is responsible for the shooting besides the shooter?
Additional Resources
Lesson Plan: Homegrown Terrorism: a Major Domestic Security Problem
Tucson Reels From Shooting Tragedy, Plans Public Memorial Service
