Shootings Here, Stabbings There — What's Happening to Us?

This column is designed to offer a platform to discuss national stories on a local level. Share your opinion in the comment section!

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The most significant story of the week--or even the year--is clearly the Newtown, Conn., school shooting that took place on Friday. As journalists, we never expect to cover something like this, nor are we ever adequately prepared, even if it's just to write a short summation. All I will say is that my thoughts, prayers and tears are with the families. For in-depth coverage, visit our sister site, Newtown Patch.

Find out how to help families affected by the tragedy here. 

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Did you know that something similar happened in China yesterday, but with a knife? There were no deaths, but the horror is the same. 

The man attacked an adult, then 22 children in the early morning hours. 

There was a string of similar assaults in 2010, when a total of 20 schoolchildren were killed, and an additional 50 were injured. According to CBC News, most of the attackers were "mentally disturbed men involved in personal disputes or unable to adjust to the rapid pace of social change in China."

Is that the case here? In the media and in personal conversations, people have blamed violent video games and movies, a lack of empathy due to the constant "plugged in" nature of our society, and lack of gun control laws. 

Do you have a theory as to why we're seeing an escalation in mass shootings?