Politicizing Traumatic Events on Social Media

After shootings in San Bernardino, California, the New York Daily news, on its front cover, accused some GOP politicians of tweeting "Meaningless platitudes" instead of passing gun control laws. Some on social media, particularly Twitter, criticized those politicians for tweeting words like "thoughts and prayers" and #SanBernardino. Dr. Julie Hanks with Wasatch Family Therapy in Utah says it's harmful to the families of the victims to politicize traumatic events. Hanks says she understands why people who agree that politicians should pass gun control laws would be offended by the condolences tweeted. She also says gun control, mass shootings are highly sensitive and political topics that need a resolution, "that's where the anger is coming from," she says. Unless people have mutual respect and understanding, there will never be a resolution. Furthermore, Dr. Hanks says people should not make matters worse by using the grief of others to make political statements.