Comprehending Columbine

Ralph W. Larkin

Jan 2007 · Temple University Press

About this eBook

On April 20, 1999, two Colorado teenagers went on a shooting rampage at Columbine High School. That day, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed twelve fellow students and a teacher, as well as wounding twenty-four other people, before they killed themselves. Although there have been other books written about the tragedy, this is the first serious, impartial investigation into the cultural, environmental, and psychological causes of the massacre.Based on first-hand interviews and a thorough reading of the relevant literature, Ralph Larkin examines the complex of factors that led the two young men to plan and carry out their deed. For Harris and Klebold, Larkin concludes, the carnage was an act of revenge against the jocks who had harassed and humiliated them, retribution against evangelical students who acted as if they were morally superior, an acting out of the mythology of right-wing paramilitary organization members to die in a blaze of glory, and a deep desire for notoriety.Rather than simply looking at Columbine as a crucible for all school violence, Larkin places the tragedy in its proper context, and in doing so, examines its causes and meaning.

Ratings and reviews

Impressive study of this tragedy. Having teenagers myself, it's a bit scary. I talked to my kids about it. Hope things begin to even out but with the country as it is these days....

I'm sorry, but not all the facts in this book are accurate. First of all, Eric and Dylan DID know Rachel Scott. They both had her in their video production class, and Rachel even confronted them about their weird video, "Hitman For Hire." And Dylan was in charge of the stage lighting and music in Rachel's play that she wrote and starred in. And Rachel DID know a Nick (Baumgart) and she attended prom with him. Otherwise, this book is informational and interesting.

About the author

Ralph W. Larkin, Ph.D. is owner of Academic Research Consulting Service and a Senior Research Associate, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. He is the author of Suburban Youth in Cultural Crisis and (with Daniel A. Foss) Beyond Revolution: Social Movements in Historical and Comparative Perspective.