Columbine High School shooters Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold provide a tragic modern-day example of the outlaw archetype. Their extreme overestimation beliefs (EOB) were seen in their obsession with the “trench coat mafia.” Such admiration for a murderer may signal important behavioral warnings for future actions and provide a blueprint for violence.
Adam Lanza, the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, idolized the notoriety brought to him by previous mass shooters. He carefully studied their crimes and incorporated their tactics into his own plans, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of imitation.
Virginia Tech shooter Seung-Hee Cho leveraged this identification by creating theatrical figures posing with weapons in photos and videos intended to glorify the impending violence. We took it a step further.
These cases illustrate significant red flags in threat assessment. That is, identifying and emulating previous attackers as warriors of a cause or grievance. This phenomenon, when combined with the psychological allure of notoriety, can drive violent ideologies to deadly actions. Recognizing and intervening when such identifications emerge is one way to thwart the path to violence.
The case of Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering the CEO of United Healthcare, has also fueled this debate. Mr. Mangione has been praised by some groups who see his actions as an attack on corporate greed and have elevated him to the status of folk hero in subcultural circles. This alarming glorification emphasizes how violent figures are recast as symbols of rebellion, further entrenching the appeal of outlaw stories.
Historical examples, such as Timothy McVeigh’s bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, also illustrate the dangers of rigid belief systems. McVeigh’s obsession with government tyranny and his identification with the characters in The Turner Diaries framed his actions as part of a grand ideological mission. These patterns highlight the psychological dangers of identification as a warning behavior. In this context, individuals do not simply praise past perpetrators; They think they are carrying on their legacy, which can quickly escalate their plans into devastating violence.
Jungian archetypes: The moral of the shooter’s story
Jung believed that archetypes, although universal, can become distorted under certain conditions, especially when an individual’s psyche is dominated by the image of a single archetype. This phenomenon, called archetypal inflation, occurs when an individual’s identity is replaced by a symbolic role, such as victim, warrior, or hero. In such cases, archetypes no longer serve as guides for healthy psychological integration, but instead become rigid, overarching narratives that encourage destructive behavior. For example, the Columbine shooters channeled their frustrations into the belief that violence was justified as a rebellion against social norms, embodying the distorted outlaw archetype. Similarly, Adam Lanza’s identification with the avenger archetype became pathologically overvalued, spurring his descent into gang violence.
The concept of extreme overvalued beliefs (EOB) helps us understand how belief distortions are reflected in archetypes. EOBs are rigid, emotional beliefs that govern an individual’s thinking and justify their actions. School shooters often exhibit EOBs that center on themes such as victimhood, revenge, and the need to right an imagined wrong. The victim archetype reflects the offender’s perception of being wronged or persecuted and stimulates grievance-gathering behavior and the right to retaliate. The warrior archetype emerges when criminals adopt a “pseudo-commando” mentality and frame their violence as righteous and necessary. For example, Timothy McVeigh identified with both the victim and warrior archetypes and saw his attacks as a mission to view government tyranny. Similarly, Adam Lanza’s pessimism and obsession with collective violence align with the victim-hero-avenger archetype, adding to his sense of purpose and legitimacy. Thymic impulses such as the desire for approval, justice, and superiority further stimulate these archetypes, creating a dangerous feedback loop that turns violent ideas into action.
Potential red flags include sudden or dramatic changes in personality, mood, or behavior, especially when accompanied by rigid, emotional beliefs about victimization or justice. Parents may notice an increased interest in weapons, tactical equipment, and violent ideologies, as well as the adoption of a pseudo-command mindset characterized by fantasies of control and domination. Changes in appearance, such as adopting military-style clothing or creating disturbing social media profiles, may further indicate alignment with these subcultures. They may reveal their plans to others during video game sessions or at school. It is important to recognize and address these behaviors early. Including your child in open, open conversations, seeking professional psychological support, and monitoring your child’s online activity are important steps in prevention.
moral code
From Robin Hood to Jesse James, outlaws continue to capture the imagination. These characters are frequently reimagined in literature and film, and their motivations and moral ambiguity are explored. Films such as Bonnie and Clyde and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford emphasized the human complexity of these characters, including their loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of their actions. Digging into the theme. Meanwhile, fictional characters like Han Solo and Arthur Morgan draw on the outlaw archetype to resonate with modern audiences, highlighting the enduring appeal of these stories.
The outlaw archetype serves as both a cautionary tale and a mirror of social values. Although their actions often result in harm, their stories force us to confront deeper issues of inequality, corruption, and the human desire for freedom and recognition. By considering the motivations behind these stories, including the role of grossly overestimated beliefs, archetypes, and thymus stimulation, we gain a deeper understanding of the psychological and cultural factors that shape human moral behavior. You can get it. This understanding is essential not only to prevent violence, but also to foster societies that address the root causes of rebellion and discontent.