Digital Artifact #2: Deviance

A Selfish Act of Deviance that Impacts Thousands

By: Ali Sheridan
On May 23, 2014 a selfish act of deviance took place that
impacted myself and thousands more at the University of California,
Santa Barbara. Elliot Rodger opened fire in my little home in Isla Vista,
California in which he killed six people and injured thirteen. Rodgers
posted a video on Youtube in which he named Retribution, describing
his motives of the shooting before he took part in his course of action.
He blamed women, not giving him the attention, and giving him the
sex he thought he deserved so Rodgers wanted to seek revenge.
Rodgers started with the stabbing of his three roommates in his
apartment, and moved on stopping at a sorority house which he could
not gain entrance, and ended with driving up and down the streets of
Isla Vista where he gunned down three more. It was uncertain if the
cops or his own gunshot killed Rodgers first, but the shooting ended
with his death. Standing outside in my courtyard that night, I heard
sounds of what sounded like fireworks with sirens shortly following. In
just ten minutes, a young twenty two year old man, took part in an act
of formal deviance that turned the world upside down for many
students, friends, and family. This act of the shooting was a formal
deviance that violated criminally and formal laws. Stated by the law,
unlawfully killing of others with intent is termed murder (According to
criminal-law-lawyer-source.com). In perspective the shooting that took
place on May 23, 2014 is a deviant act in the eyes of the country, as
well as all those affected directly and indirectly.
In contrast, certain circumstances of killing others in society can
be deemed accepted, such as killing one to save many others but it
also is a very gray area. Justifiable homicide becomes up to debate. For
example, is it acceptable to kill a robber that broke in to your house to
prevent stealing? What about countries in war? For self defense? In
addition, this shooting happened from poor gun regulation which
becomes another issue. The National Rifle Association blamed the
tragedy in Isla Vista on the safety of guns. It saddens my heart to know
that a tragedy like this has to take place before there is such a demand
to push for stronger gun control. Rodgers dad stood in front of many
news channels, and at the UCSB memorial service stating the laws
needed to change and held strong to the slogan Not One More,
representing not loosing one more person to the unsafe gun laws.
When asked what does being deviant feel like I pondered this
question for some time. Because deviance can be any behavior against
cultural norms it can be as little as standing too close to someone on
an elevator or not dressing up for an interview properly, but can

extend to rape, murder or theft. I think depending on ones act of

deviance and the severity of the act changes what it feels like. Also,
ones morals and beliefs can be taken into account. For some it might
bring a sense of guilt, uncomfortable feelings, or possibly
accomplishment,. But to others they may feel no emotions. Also if the
act is a collective behavior involving others, rather than an
individualistic behavior it may become easier to create blame to others
instead of focusing on oneself. The littlest of things could be seen as
deviant to others and not feel like an act of defiance to oneself.
With the tragedy of the shooting at UCSB, as well as the riots
last year, these happenings have created a poor stigma for the
University. There has been many acts to try to create neutralization
among students and staff to get rid of the bad label UCSB has
currently. There has been many more cops out in Isla Vista to enforce
rules. After a college student, in my perfect, beautiful community and
home decided to take part in a shooting against innocent individuals, I
personally feel strong about gun laws being handled through law
enforcement at a more strict and stronger enforcement. I understand
that gun selling brings in revenue, as well as safety, but I think there
needs to be heavy regulation and extensive background checks on
individuals that want to purchase guns. For Rodgers, he had been
diagnosed with mental conditions from doctors, and was still able to
purchase guns in three different counties. As news stories were
released their were a lot of rumors and assimilation to the true story.
With more and more stories of school shootings worldwide, shootings
are continuing to be sought as a deviant act and poor victims are being
drastically affected. My heart broke from this egocentric act in which so
many that were less fortunate than I was lives were completely
altered. In a community that became so broken so much love and
compassion came from this shooting and this deviant act which could
be viewed as a positive, but I can only hope that gun laws will become
more strict and enforced to prevent anyone else having to go
throughout this.
Works Cited:
"Criminal Law Areas." Criminal Defense Attorneys, DUI Lawyers. N.p., 2013. Web. 21 Feb.
2015.
Sandstrom, K.L., Lively, K.J., Martin, D.D., Fine, G.A. (2014, 2010). Symbols,
Selves,
and Social Reality: A Symbolic Interactionism Approach to Social Psychology
and Sociology