Breaking Down Robert Hawkins' Obituary: Digging Deeper Than the Surface

The obituary of Robert Hawkins, the perpetrator of the 2007 Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha, Nebraska, is a complicated and sensitive subject. While an obituary is traditionally a tribute to a life lived, in such tragic circumstances, it becomes a focal point for understanding, however limited, the individual and the events that transpired. This guide aims to help you understand how to critically analyze such an obituary, moving beyond the surface-level details to explore potential “untold sides” – not to excuse the actions, but to understand the context.

Understanding the Purpose of an Obituary:

First, it's crucial to remember the primary purpose of an obituary: to announce a death, commemorate a life (or in this case, its end), and provide information about funeral arrangements. Traditionally, obituaries highlight positive aspects of a person's life, focusing on accomplishments, relationships, and contributions. However, in cases like Robert Hawkins, this becomes incredibly difficult and ethically fraught.

Key Concepts for Analyzing an Obituary Like Hawkins':

  • Omission: What *isn’t* said can be as important as what is. In an obituary for someone who committed a horrific act, there will inevitably be omissions. This might include details about the crime itself, the impact on victims, or unflattering aspects of the individual’s personality. Consider *why* these omissions might exist. Are they intended to protect the family? To avoid sensationalizing the tragedy? To present a more palatable narrative?

  • Framing: How is the information presented? Is the language neutral, sympathetic, or condemnatory? The choice of words can significantly influence how the reader perceives the deceased. For example, describing Hawkins as "troubled" versus "evil" paints vastly different pictures. Look for loaded language and consider the potential biases of the author.

  • Contextualization (or Lack Thereof): An obituary is rarely a complete picture of a person's life. It offers snippets, often carefully curated. However, understanding the broader context – Hawkins' upbringing, mental health struggles (if known), social environment, and any known precipitating events – is crucial for a more nuanced understanding. The obituary itself likely *won’t* provide this context; you'll need to seek it elsewhere.

  • The "Untold Side": This doesn't necessarily mean uncovering hidden secrets. It's about looking beyond the official narrative presented and considering the complexities of the individual. What factors might have contributed to their actions? What were their vulnerabilities? What were their struggles? This requires empathy, critical thinking, and a willingness to grapple with uncomfortable truths. *It is absolutely crucial to remember that understanding does not equal excusing.*

    • Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

  • Justification: The goal is *not* to justify Hawkins' actions. Analyzing the obituary and exploring potential contributing factors should never be interpreted as condoning the violence.

  • Sensationalism: Resist the urge to sensationalize the story or to focus solely on the horrific aspects of the crime. The obituary is a starting point for understanding, not a platform for further sensationalizing the tragedy.

  • Oversimplification: Human behavior is complex. Attributing Hawkins' actions to a single cause (e.g., "he was just evil") is a gross oversimplification. Consider the interplay of multiple factors.

  • Ignoring the Victims: While analyzing Hawkins' obituary, it's vital to never lose sight of the victims and their families. Their suffering should always be at the forefront of your mind. Their stories deserve to be told, and their pain should be acknowledged.

    • Practical Examples (Using Hypothetical Obituary Excerpts):

    Let's imagine some excerpts from a hypothetical obituary for Robert Hawkins (keeping in mind that the actual obituary may have differed significantly):

    Excerpt 1: "Robert was a quiet young man who enjoyed playing video games and spending time with his friends."

  • Analysis: This is a very generic statement. The word "quiet" could be interpreted in different ways: introverted, shy, withdrawn. The focus on "video games" could be seen as an attempt to normalize his behavior, but could also be seen as a superficial detail. The mention of "friends" needs further scrutiny. Were these close, supportive friendships, or more superficial acquaintances?

  • Untold Side: This excerpt hints at potential social isolation. Was he truly connected to his friends, or was he withdrawn and lonely? What types of video games did he play? Were they violent or escapist?

    • Excerpt 2: "He had faced challenges in his life, including struggles with depression."

  • Analysis: This is a crucial piece of information. The acknowledgment of "depression" suggests a potential mental health component. However, it's vague. What kind of treatment, if any, did he receive? Was there a history of mental health issues?

  • Untold Side: This raises significant questions about the availability of mental health resources, his access to those resources, and the support he received from family and friends. Did he receive adequate care? Was his depression properly diagnosed and treated?

    • Excerpt 3: "Robert will be deeply missed by his family."

  • Analysis: This is a standard sentiment in an obituary. However, in this context, it's particularly poignant. It highlights the profound grief and loss experienced by his family, despite the horrific nature of his actions.

  • Untold Side: This reminds us that even perpetrators of violence are still human beings who are loved by someone. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality that even individuals capable of terrible acts are not devoid of human connection.

    • Moving Beyond the Obituary:

    The obituary is just the beginning. To truly understand the "untold side," you need to consult other sources:

  • News Reports: Look for in-depth reporting on the shooting and its aftermath.

  • Court Documents: If available, court documents can provide valuable information about the investigation and any legal proceedings.

  • Interviews: Seek out interviews with family members, friends, and experts who can offer insights into Hawkins' life and the events that led to the shooting.

  • Academic Research: Look for scholarly articles and books on mass shootings and the factors that contribute to such tragedies.

Conclusion:

Analyzing an obituary like Robert Hawkins' is a delicate and complex task. It requires critical thinking, empathy, and a willingness to grapple with uncomfortable truths. By focusing on omissions, framing, and contextualization, and by avoiding common pitfalls like justification and sensationalism, you can begin to understand the "untold side" of the story – not to excuse the actions, but to learn from them and to prevent future tragedies. Remember to always prioritize the victims and their families, and to approach this sensitive subject with respect and compassion. Ultimately, the goal is not to understand Robert Hawkins the shooter, but to understand the societal and individual factors that can lead to such devastating outcomes and to work towards a future where such events are less likely to occur.