Blog Post 7

http://krqe.com/2014/03/21/apd-officer-involved-shooting-was-justified/

1. In Albuquerque, there was a shooting of a homeless camper. He was illegally camping and refused to comply to the officers and even threatened them. The newscaster states in the video that “Chief Eden called the shooting justified at the news conference, saying officers used non-lethal force first and that there was a direct threat made at an unarmed K9 officer. According to Chief Eden, Boyd was less than eight feet from the unarmed canine officer.” This video is an example of the argumentative strategy self-defense. The officers believe the shooting was justified because the camper pulled two knives on a police officer and continually threatened him.
2. The shooting of Trayvon Martin is characterized as an act of violence. George Zimmerman shot unarmed Trayvon Martin and claimed self-defense.This is a form of direct violence because it was Zimmerman is said to have believed Martin was his enemy. This could be framed as terrorism in a symbolic way. Although it was directed at a primary audience, Zimmerman could have possibly shot Martin to show dominance over African Americans in general. This could also be framed as morally right. Some believe there was an altercation between the two men and Zimmerman acted on self-defense which is seen as a legitimate reason for acts of violence. 
3. I would never say violence is ever the answer. But I believe, in some situations, that violence may be the most logical way to ensure one’s safety. If someone is deliberately trying to cause another harm, he or she can take the necessary precautions for their safety. There are also other examples of violence which I believe are not appropriate. Violence is becoming more and more acceptable in today’s society. Fights break out in schools daily, video games show excess amounts of gore, and wrestling is becoming increasingly popular.