Stories in action: the cultural influences of school shootings on the terrorist attacks in Norway

Abstract

Terrorism is a cultural bricolage and terrorists are inspired by a wide range of political ideologies and stories. In this study of the terrorist attacks that occurred in Norway in 2011, we reveal how the perpetrator was influenced not only by political rhetoric, but also by the cultural script of school shootings. Anders Behring Breivik was socially isolated and lived his life online. He targeted young people in educational contexts and tried to kill as many people as possible. Preparation was extensive, including cultural products distributed online, and notoriety was the primary objective. By revealing such similarities, we challenge widespread distinctions between types of harm.

Keywords:

• cultural criminology
• cultural script
• narrative criminology
• school shooting
• terrorism

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Lois Presser for helpful comments on an earlier version of this paper.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes

1. Other concepts similar to that of Newman’s “cultural script” include Tonso’s analyses of the “school shooter” as a “trope” (Tonso 2009) and Muschert and Ragnedda’s notion of adhering to a “performative script” (2011).

2. http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/11/13/nyheter/innenriks/terror/anders_behring_breivik/utoya/18992765/ (accessed 18 November 2013).

3. This blog is now closed, but it used to be located here: http://dub-me-holmie.tumblr.com/post/29551657816/russianfebruary-han-f-ler-seg-sikker-pa-at. See also how Breivik is portrayed as something akin to a cartoon hero here: http://revcon.tumblr.com/post/41435744532#notes

4. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57569958/newtown-shooter-motivated-by-norway-massacre-sources-say/ (accessed 18 February 2013).

5. According to the Norwegian Police Security Service: http://www.dagbladet.no/2013/02/18/nyheter/innenriks/pst/anders_behring_breivik/25816391/ (accessed 18 February 2013).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sveinung Sandberg

Sveinung Sandberg is Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, University of Oslo. His research focuses on processes of marginalisation, violence, masculinity, illegal drugs and social movements, often using a narrative or discourse analytical approach.

Atte Oksanen

Atte Oksanen is a researcher at the National Research Institute of Legal Policy. His research focuses on unexpected mass violence and on the area of social problems, including crime, drug abuse and financial problems.

Lars Erik Berntzen

Lars Erik Berntzen is a PhD researcher in the Department of Political and Social Sciences, European University Institute. His research focuses on normative conflict, diffusion of ideas and political violence, with an emphasis on right-wing populism, extremism and anti-Islam.

Tomi Kiilakoski

Tomi Kiilakoski is a researcher at the Finnish Youth Research Network. His research focuses on educational institutions and policy, cultural philosophy and youth studies.