Planned Parenthood Shooting: The Threat To Medical Resources And Identifying White Shooters | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Planned Parenthood Shooting: The Threat To Medical Resources And Identifying White Shooters

Understanding that white shooters should be labelled terrorists when committing terrorist acts.

Planned Parenthood Shooting: The Threat To Medical Resources And Identifying White Shooters
Google Images

On Friday, November 27, 2015, a man named Robert Dear armed himself with an assault rifle and opened fire inside a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood center. The man continued shooting at officers as they came to the scene, killing three people, a police officer and two civilians, and wounding nine before surrendering five hours later.

This isn’t a new occurrence either, so far this year there have been 355 mass shootings in the United States. Another thing that isn’t new? White shooters being labeled as “quiet loner," “misunderstood," and, the most laughable claim, “a victim." All of this being said while the news quickly labels people of color and Muslims involved in crimes as “thugs” and “terrorists," words never associated with white shooters whose crimes can be described as terrorism - all because of their skin color and religion.

This ideology that is promoted through our typical U.S media only creates negative associations with people of color and allows the public to overlook the growing numbers of white male shooters in America. Mother Jones Magazine gathered data on mass shootings in the United States since 1982, and it showed that white people, almost exclusively white men, have committed 64 percent of mass shootings, while African Americans committed close to 16 percent and Asians were responsible for around 9 percent. With such large numbers, we should start recognizing what these killers should be named terrorists and disregard the privilege of their white skin when it comes to such gruesome and unforgettable crimes.

The responses that help to falsely represent white shooters and Planned Parenthood primarily come from Republican candidates. When Dear was taken into questioning he supposedly repeated, “no more baby parts.” This was in reference to the false accusation that Planned Parenthood was illegally harvesting and trafficking fetal organs - accusations that Republican candidates have supported and stood by. For as long as I can remember, Republicans have continually tried to shut down Planned Parenthood, known to them as a place solely for abortions and “criminal enterprise." Which is, in fact, not true. Planned Parenthood is place for women to access the medical resources they need, such as STI/STD testing and treatment, as well as contraceptives, without insurance. Only three percent of Planned Parenthood's funds go towards abortion services. When “Fox News Sunday” asked Carly Fiorina if she was concerned that the attack on Planned Parenthood might have been encouraged by this claim, she said, “This is typical of the left to immediately begin demonizing the messenger because they don’t agree with your message.”

Demonizing a man who opened fire on unarmed, innocent women there to access medical resources? Claims such as this show that the Republican Party is more concerned with supporting a pro-life stance than actually focusing on the bigger problem: civilians dying by another mass shooting this year, and by another white man no less. Women should not be afraid to take part in accessing the medical resources being offered to them, but with the increase in Republican candidates supporting the stance to shame those who affiliate with Planned Parenthood, and the growing numbers of unthinkable attacks on these centers, it leaves those wondering if the risk is worth it. In this day and age, we shouldn’t be afraid to step outside of our homes and go to a place for help, but with the increase in mass shootings, and the victimization of white shooters growing, how can we really know when to start feeling safe again?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1034
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15985
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3317
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments