TOW #2: How Shootings Stigmatize People Living With Mental Illness

In light of the recent Washington shooting, fear, anger, and sorrow has emerged. Unfortunately for Americans, these feelings are nothing new. The previous few mass shootings such as the Navy Yard, Newtown, Aurora, and Virginia Tech, are responsible for the stereotype created about people with mental illnesses. Michael J. Fitzpatrick writes about his views on this subject. Being the executive director for National Alliance of Mental Illness, he believes Americans stigmatizing against people who live with a mental illness escalates the problem. Centering around the topic of mass shootings, the article opens with the use of pathos, describing how these tragedies affect Americans. The author then goes to explain the amount of Americans troubled by a mental illness. He backs himself up with statistics, establishing the appeal of logos. He also uses a counter-agument so no holes could be poked in his own argument. The past shootings have been mental individuals turning to violence, but he kills that reasoning by putting in perspective how many Americans are living with a disorder and how it is not so uncommon to have one, but the violence is uncommon. Fitzgerald continues to establish his purpose that there should be no stereotype against people with mental illness. In a deeper purpose, he is trying to prove that the reactions of the American people from these tragedies stimulate more tradgedies. People living with an illness go into hiding with the fear of being discriminated against. This can recede their progress at becoming healthier. It is very unlikely that people dealing with mental health issues respond with violence, but because of America's reactions, the people who need help the most cannot receive that help. I believe Fitzgerald accomplishes his purpose and proves that the stigma against sick people needs to end. The use of logos strongly back up his claims and the use of pathos makes me want to do something to stop these tragedies. He establishes his credibility by noting his position in the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Like Fitzgerald says, Stigma cannot win in this race, or else things will not get better.