END MASS SHOOTINGS: Address The Capitalism of Violence

The theory of Capitalism of Violence was created by Christopher Seymore, founder of the African American Self-Reparations Think Tank (A.A.S.R.T.) and inventor of Multiplying Positive Place Value (M.P.P.V.). A.A.S.R.T. is dedicated to addressing the social and economic challenges faced by African American descendants of U.S. slavery, with a focus on self-reparations, community empowerment, and social philanthropy. Seymore’s theory posits that industries profit from the commodification of violence through media, entertainment, and other forms, contributing to the societal normalization of violence. M.P.P.V. is a system designed to counteract this, promoting positive social and economic outcomes by multiplying the beneficial impacts of social and philanthropic efforts.

The recent mass shooting at Apalachee High School is another tragic reminder of the deep-rooted crisis America faces. It’s not simply about access to firearms; it’s about the environment that breeds a mindset where senseless violence seems justifiable or even inevitable. 

"The 14-year-old suspect in the fatal mass shooting at a Winder, Georgia, high school has been identified as Colt Gray, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey said at an afternoon news conference.

The suspect is a student at Apalachee High School who will be charged with murder and will be handled as an adult as he moves through the criminal justice system, Hosey and Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith added.

Two teachers and two students were killed, Hosey said. Nine other victims – eight students and one teacher – were taken to hospitals, according to the GBI."

Over the years, there has been an undeniable increase in mass shootings at schools, colleges, and government institutions. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more than 300 mass shootings in 2024 alone, and the frequency of these events continues to rise. The violence extends beyond schools and spills into attempts against politicians and public figures, including the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump. These events are becoming disturbingly common.

This pattern cannot be viewed in isolation. The root cause is not just the invention of guns but the pervasive "capitalism of violence" that has infiltrated nearly every aspect of American society. From movies and music to video games, clothing, and online content, violence has become a profitable industry. This constant exposure to graphic and violent imagery, glorified in popular culture, distorts the minds of the young, normalizing violence and desensitizing them to the horrific reality of bloodshed. When video games allow players to act out mass murder scenarios or when films sensationalize brutal killings, it creates a dangerous psychological pathway. Over time, these stimuli reshape the psyche, and some individuals are unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality. The continuous bombardment of violent imagery, combined with easy access to firearms, creates a perfect storm for these mass shootings.

The government has a critical responsibility to address this issue head-on. Steps must be taken to reduce the saturation of violent content in media and entertainment. Schools should be safe havens, not war zones, and yet, without curbing the glamorization of violence, more children will be exposed to these destructive influences. It is essential to raise a generation of citizens who are shielded from this over-stimulation. Instead of profiting from violence, there must be a collective effort to promote values that foster peace, empathy, and respect for human life. The time has come for decisive action, not only to control access to guns but also to address the toxic cultural environment that feeds these tragedies. Only then can the epidemic of mass shootings be halted, and the lives of innocent Americans—students, teachers, public servants, and beyond—be truly protected.

The Capitalism of Violence: Definition and Impact on Society

The term “capitalism of violence” refers to the phenomenon where industries profit from the widespread and pervasive presence of violence in various forms of media and entertainment. In this system, violent content is commodified, mass-produced, and consumed at an alarming rate, generating billions of dollars in revenue while perpetuating a culture of aggression and desensitization to harm. This form of capitalism thrives on the production and sale of violent movies, video games, music, and other media, which glorify and normalize the idea of brutality. It extends beyond the entertainment industry, influencing sectors like fashion and digital platforms where violence is used as a marketing tool to increase engagement and drive profits. The consequence is a society where violence is not only accepted but celebrated, influencing behaviors and perceptions, particularly among the youth.

Statistics illustrate the staggering scope of this issue. The video game industry alone, worth over $90 billion globally, sees much of its revenue generated from games centered on violent themes. Studies have shown that over 50% of the top-selling video games feature some form of violence, from graphic combat to mass murder scenarios. The film industry is no different, with Hollywood producing hundreds of violent films annually. In 2023, it was reported that 7 of the top 10 highest-grossing films featured explicit depictions of violence. Meanwhile, music genres such as rap and heavy metal often include violent themes, which are marketed aggressively to young audiences, amplifying exposure. Even fashion capitalizes on violence, with clothing lines featuring violent slogans, imagery, and weapons becoming increasingly trendy among younger generations.

This culture of violence extends to digital platforms like social media, where viral content often includes violent acts, garnering millions of views, likes, and shares. Algorithms on these platforms frequently promote this type of content because it drives user engagement, contributing to advertising revenue. These industries continue to flourish because the government, rather than restricting such content, often provides a stamp of approval through simple rating systems. Films and video games with graphic violence are given ratings that categorize them by age, but these ratings do little to restrict access. A study from the American Psychological Association found that children as young as 12 can easily access adult-rated violent video games and movies, contributing to early desensitization.

The government’s failure to regulate the capitalism of violence extends to its permissive attitude toward the industries that profit from it. By offering only age-based content ratings rather than addressing the harmful impact of violent media on mental health and societal behavior, a tacit endorsement is given. Meanwhile, industries generating violent content rake in billions of dollars annually, reinforcing a destructive cycle where violence begets profit, and profit incentivizes more violence.

The capitalism of violence thrives because it is financially beneficial for these industries to push the boundaries of acceptable content, all while disregarding the long-term consequences for society. This creates a self-perpetuating system that continues to fuel the very real violence seen in schools, public spaces, and communities. It is clear that to reverse this trend, not only must there be a reevaluation of the industries profiting from violence, but also a comprehensive approach to regulating and minimizing the content that glamorizes and normalizes it.

The African American Self-Reparations Think Tank (A.A.S.R.T.) aims to champion a reduction in violence through the application of African American Game Theory (A.A.G.T.) and the principles of Multiplying Positive Place Value (M.P.P.V.). By focusing on philanthropic outreach programs and sustainable for-profit ventures, A.A.S.R.T. seeks to transform communities from within. The organization views violence as a product of socioeconomic conditions perpetuated by systemic inequality, and through the blending of nonprofit and for-profit efforts, it addresses the root causes of violence, including poverty, lack of education, and historical disenfranchisement. African American Game Theory integrates 120 social sciences to achieve optimized outcomes, with the goal of reducing the influence of violent stimuli and fostering environments that promote positive social interaction, economic opportunity, and cultural empowerment.

Through targeted initiatives, the Think Tank seeks to counteract the capitalism of violence by providing alternatives that uplift and empower African American communities. These initiatives include education programs, economic development projects, and advocacy for reparations. By multiplying positive social values within the community, A.A.S.R.T. believes that long-term change can be achieved, reversing the psychological and socioeconomic effects of violence and fostering a new generation focused on peace, equity, and self-reliance.