Violence as Good for Those Who Commit It

People talk about senseless violence, but violence is not senseless to perpetrators. When people commit acts of violence, they think they are doing something good. The readings in this book show the many ways that people enjoy violence. They commit violence themselves, celebrate the violence of others, and think about things they'd like to do with others. Prevention is difficult because violence means far too much to far too many. Yet, violence causes suffering. Somehow we have to connect the joy of violence with the suffering that violence causes. Then, we might find the will and the resources to challenge the multiple forces that create conditions where violence flourishes.