One Step Away: Our New Threat

I'm not defending the violence in today's world or making excuses for people who spin out of control and take lives, just pointing out the increasing numbers of people who are angry, bitter, hurting, and on the edge. So many appear to be just a few steps away from a breakdown, and tragically some cases end with individuals taking their own lives; is it a final grasp for attention? A desperate wake up call? Maybe all these things that are happening are showing us just how broken our society is.

It was heartbreaking to read about the college student which, up until October, had led a seemingly normal life, but events which happened - preventable ones - triggered responses of fear, embarrassment and anger, likely leading to his death. Acting out in response to those emotions caused an entire school lock down and closure as people feared a possible public retaliation, but it didn't end like that. Instead, Jacob Marberger died alone, in a vehicle parked on a lonely back road, with no other lives harmed. And yes, still; a tragedy.

In this article Jacob Marberger is mentioned by a fellow student as "highly intelligent". He was involved in student politics and theatre, and until October it appears there had never been any incidents regarding his behavior. "Family and friends describe Marberger as a young sophomore with a promising future who fell on tough times." What I find most disturbing is the possibility that incidents like these were rare and not normal for Jacob. This article lists a few recent events leading to the meltdown and tragedy which occurred: "Jacob’s father says his son is a lost individual who is embarrassed with himself" and "He reported being bullied in early October". Did that trigger his behavior and if so, was he that close to snapping at any given time?

Where does it end? How can we address what could be a deadly missing link in the minds and makeup of so many? I'm grieving over people I don't even know, because far too often - while reading their stories - similar clues begin to emerge. And we have no idea how to stop it.


In memory of Jacob Marberger.

Photo from his Facebook page, now turned into a memorial site at Remembering Jacob Marberger.