virgina tech

i first heard the news on monday. so tragic to hear about all those deaths. as a reporter was listing the names, ages and majors of some of the victims, he couldn't stop crying. yesterday i saw the released videos from the killer which were sent to nbc. it was chilling to watch - he really seemed deranged and sick in the head. when they interviewed his roommates and asked if there were any warning signs, the roommates listed typical antisocial and shy behavior. they also said he stalked girls and found out information about them on the internet. but to be honest, i know plenty of shy guys who would find out information like that only because they were too shy to talk to girls and would get fixated on particular girls since they didn't meet that many girls in the first place.

the thing is, i know plenty of antisocial and shy people. sure they are a little eccentric at times but they are harmless. especially among asians, there are many who are extremely shy. i was extremely shy until after high school. what if schools will now target shy kids and call them killers? i don't think picking on a shy kid even more will make them come out of their shell. i hope shy kid targeting doesn't happen.

however i do hope schools will do more thorough screening when alarms are sounded on a kid. the virginia tech killer was sent to a counselor because he talked of suicide. i'm sure he could have easily lied to the counselor to get out of more sessions. what are ways to get around that? to really find out what's going on in their heads and be certain it's safe to release them back into society?

perhaps responsibility lies with the close friends and family of such kids? because although it's easy to lie to a stranger, it's harder to lie to someone closer to you. don't just assume everything is ok with that quiet and shy friend or relative. what is going on in their heads could be far greater than you imagine.

my heart goes out to all the family and friends of the victims.