I found and skimmed through the alleged manifesto of the San Diego Islamic Center shooters.
I say it is the "alleged" manifesto because I could not find the link to it through an official news source, but it did align with what all authorities and sources are saying it contained.
Firstly, of course I think the shooting was horrible.
That's it. No "if" or "but" about it. There is nothing about that Muslim Center in particular that influenced the shooters to target it, only that it was a center for one of the groups they hated, among the many others that they expressed contempt towards.
Regarding the manifesto, aside from being concerning, horrifying, and just entirely insane, it was sad.
It's sad that two young people were so completely filled with hate that they went and killed people, and then killed themselves.
It's sad that they were able to become so radicalized. I believe it is a consequence of a society that speaks positively about radicalization. Too many times I've seen people proudly declare what "radicalized" them towards the positions they hold now. A form of this type of statement used by the shooters in their manifesto as well.
Hate isn't helpful. Sensless violence isn't helpful. Radicalization isn't helpful.
None of these things will bring about anything good.
It probably feels like an obvious statement. And yet, I have seen a concerning number of people from all walks of life, various political orientations and viewpoints, sharing at least one or two points stated by the shooters in their mainfesto.
Sure, it was done in a milder way most times, but nonetheless, the ideas were the same or very similar.
That is concerning. I think many people need to reevaluate how they approach their views of society, and see if they are unknowingly echoing something that may lead them to far darker places.
Also, sometimes it really is the dang phones. The people who end up radicalized to such an extent are often deeply lonely, and find solace in violently radical and hateful online communities, several of which are identified in the manifesto itself.
This sort of "unknown" that comes from isolation is what allows people to generalize hateful ideas towards an entire group. Never meeting anyone who contradicts their paradigm means they never find a reason to doubt their ideas about groups that are unlike them.
Go interact with the real world. If you feel strongly about something, seek out people who feel otherwise and are willing to engage in civil and open-minded discussions with you. Maybe you'll convince them. Maybe they'll convince you. Maybe you'll both walk away with the same views you walked in with.
But, if the conversation manages to remain civil and genuine, you will both walk away with an appreciation for each other's humanity.
I also just wanted to add that, based on the manifesto, that shooting could've happened anywhere in San Diego. The shooters expressed burning hatred towards quite literally all groups. This is not something to point fingers about or blame anyone besides the shooters and the rhetoric that directly radicalized them.
It could have been anyone. Any group. Any place of worship. Any community. Radicalization kills, and anyone could be next. It is not any one group's problem to solve, but rather needs to be an effort across all groups.
