Vigils and signs?

Why is it when there is a shooting, there are always guaranteed to be vigils on sidewalks and people holding up signs with "when will this stop" printed on them...
It seems to me that it won't stop unless we DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

Holding up a sign and walking around with candles will not stop the negative parts of society...

People always like to pretend they are doing something. Reminds me of the false altruism on facebook. A few weeks ago, there was a campaign to stop child abuse by getting people to change their profile picture to their favourite cartoon character from their childhood.

Precisely how will that combat paedophilia?

I guess if it makes them feel better, then go ahead. It's kind of like the crosses on the side of the highway around the USA when someone was killed on that spot. It does nothing for anybody but those who knew the person.

Arguably, it serves as a reminder that that particular road is dangerous? that's what goes through my mind anyway when I see a shrine. What is more common here though is piles of flowers and personal items (and a photograph) of the deceased.

The_Amber_Spyglass wrote:Arguably, it serves as a reminder that that particular road is dangerous? that's what goes through my mind anyway when I see a shrine. What is more common here though is piles of flowers and personal items (and a photograph) of the deceased.

Yeah, I agree. I do think that. But I've seen many times that it was just an unfortunate accident on an otherwise safe road.

Yep, pix, flowers and a cross is what we have.