An analysis of the factors that may have incited a crime is often useful in further prevention of similar criminal cases and the development of strategies for increasing public safety. It is fairly easy to shrug off the specified problem by claiming that a law-abiding person cannot understand the reasoning of an offender; however, examining the factors that may have caused a crime to be committed will allow minimizing the threat in the future. Although the causes of the shooting that occurred at Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs are presently unclear, hypothesizing about it will help to prevent further shootings from happening.
The case of Robert Dear, who attacked the Planned Parenthood Center and initiated a mass shooting, is a clear example of the motives of the perpetrator not being clearly established. However, the specified case provides sufficient grounds for multiple assumptions given the context in which the shooting occurred. Specifically, one could argue that Dear was expressing an extremist position concerning the issue of abortion and the role that Planned Parenthood plays in it (USA Today, 2019). Therefore, one could argue that the promotion of awareness about the pro-choice movement and its importance in the fight for women’s rights could help in preventing the issue.
Furthermore, the specified case sparks the discussion concerning the difference between deviant and criminal behaviors. While the case under analysis is a clear-cut example of criminal behavior, an act of rebellion such as painting a statement over the Planned Parenthood center, holding a graphic poster, or making a speech in front of the Planned Parenthood office, could be considered immature and deviant but not criminal. Remarkably, the latter two examples will not necessarily be considered deviant by some, since they may be regarded as using one’s right to free speech (Markova & Nikitskaya, 2017). Although opinions on the subject matter may vary, the proposed options should be preferred over downright criminal acts as the one performed by Robert Dear. Thus, instead of pointless and destructive violence, a dialogue can be started, introducing opportunities for resolving one of the critical issues in women’s health.
References
Markova, S., & Nikitskaya, E. (2017). Coping strategies of adolescents with deviant behaviour. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 22(1), 36-46.
USA Today. (2019). Suspect’s motive unclear in Planned Parenthood shooting [Video]. YouTube. Web.