TOXIC ENVIRONMENT

Re: “The making of a mass killer,” (Dec. 22 story). I can empathize with the survivors and the family members of those murdered who don't want the violence and harm enacted by the Portapique mass shooter reduced to mental health. That being said, mental health, family violence and trauma must also be considered as factors.

At the same time, I've noticed that the media's inclination to consider mental health and trauma are typically only reserved for white perpetrators of violence (i.e., such grace is not awarded to all equally).

It seems that mental health factors are only brought up and discussed when white men perpetrate acts of violence. Where is such nuanced understanding of violence when racialized populations or Muslims commit acts of violence?

Moreover, our unwillingness as a society to consider how toxic masculinity and white supremacy shape and influence the behaviours for which we are made to contend with displays a significant lack of intellectual insight.

We question why people engage in anti-social behaviour without acknowledging that anti- social, narcissistic and psychopathic elements are fundamental to both white supremacy and toxic masculinity. Why are we surprised that white men go out and enact violence? Aren't they simply acting in a way encouraged by the dominant society?

White men are still the hegemons. They have maintained that status through the use of violence and intimidation. They've been socialized to feel a sense of entitlement when threatened or wronged.

We must be extremely careful that we do not confound mental illness with white supremacy/toxic masculinity because one is stigmatized and the other is upheld and encouraged.

Cassandre Collins, Dartmouth