Or on a larger scale, mass violence in general?
-------
Sections from Fried Magazine that can explain it better than me:
"Hypermasculinity is the idealization and embodiment of very stereotypically macho and masculine traits, and the simultaneous rejection and contempt for all things that resemble feminine traits. These stereotypically masculine traits include virility, high-status, power, strength, and aggressiveness — while the stereotypically feminine traits include compassion, weakness, and expressions of emotions."
"When boys are shamed into rejecting “feminine” traits within themselves — such as vulnerability, sadness, and compassion — their emotions are manifested in 'acceptable,' 'masculine' ways, such as anger, aggressiveness, and disengagement. This predisposes boys to retaliate against any questioning of their manhood in the “acceptable” violent or aggressive manner. In addition, those who are predisposed to mental illness are much less likely to seek out help for fear of being perceived as less of a man or too emotional. Father figures, the media, and sports and military cultures are highly influential, and are often seen as responsible for constructing the definition of what it means to be a 'real' man. Unfortunately, social constructions of masculinity very frequently glorify the violent and hypermasculine."
"However, upon exploring the statements and profiles of a number of well known perpetrators of mass murder, including...Eric Harris (one of the Columbine shooters), some very obvious patterns emerge. These patterns include perceptions of sexual and social rejection by women and masculine peers, obsession with violence and weaponry, desires to dominate and destroy, a lack of emotional empathy for victims, and ambition to assert and prove manhood."
--------
I think we can all agree that Eric and Dylan felt that they had trouble fitting into the mold expected of successful, teenage boys, and thus felt rejected. Personally, I also think that the massacre was their way of asserting power in a fashion exemplified in American society is "manly." There are several articles and academic studies out there on the internet that go into more detail, but I'm surprised more people don't talk about it. I searched around on here for something on the topic, but was unable to find any discussion.
There are some articles suggesting that Omar Mateen, the Orlando night club shooter, was also facing his own manhood crisis, which may have led to the attack. What I am interested in mostly is how hypermasculinity played a part in Columbine. Any thoughts would be appreciated!