October 10th, 2007 marked a date many Americans would never forget. 14 year old Asa Coon entered SuccesTech Academy in Cleveland, Ohio armed with two guns, three knives and a bag of ammunition. He shot at and injured two students and two teachers before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide.
In the days that followed, it emerged that Coon idolised legendary rocker Marilyn Manson. Cleveland then took the drastic measure of banning Manson’s music in its state, and even blaming Manson for the violent attack on the school.
Out of respect for the citizens of Cleveland, Manson cancelled the remaining dates on the world tour he had been embarking on. He also refused to comment about the situation. Doesn’t sound like a monster, does he?
But can Manson really be blamed for the tragedy? In my opinion, no, he cannot. Manson has gained a fan base of millions since he first emerged in the scene, including Coon. Now, if his music was as influential as to make someone carry out such a horrific act, surely it would have affected every other fan?
Manson has a certain look and sound to his music, which, not being a fan of it myself, I can admit that it is quite intimidating. However, just because he sounds a certain way, that doesn’t mean he is responsible for someone else’s actions.
To be able to carry out such a horrific act, there must be something internal, something deep down inside that makes you do it. It cannot just be the simple matter of “I heard this song and it made me kill someone”. It has to be something within yourself that makes you capable of actually carrying out a reign of terror on innocent victims, and has nothing to do with the music you listen too.
No comments:
Post a Comment