I heard on the news yesterday that one of Cho Seung-Hui's professors was concerned about some of the things that he had written for her class. I suspect that these were typewritten texts, but if they hadn't been, the authorities who were alerted could have had a handwriting analyst examine the writing. I feel certain that there probably would have been a few red flags that would have gone up to a Graphoanalyst.
To the left is a second page example of the first Son of Sam - David Berkowitz letter written in 1977. A trained eye would have been alerted to the punctuation marks, the pressure put on the writing instrument, and the muddy writing.
As I have discovered lately, many people think that it is the 'neatness' of their writing that is analyzed. There is some small truth to that, but handwriting analysis is much more precise. Every single item on the sheet and in the word itself is taken into account, evaluated, and used as a "mind photo" so to speak of how the particular person thinks. Handwriting is actually brain writing.
Right now, you are probably thinking to yourself, "Oh, I could disguise my handwriting, and they would never know it was me", and you would be so wrong. No matter how hard you might try, your writing style is firmly entrenched in your mind, and if you tried to write in some other way, there would still be traits that would be apparent to the trained examiner.
I wonder what we could have seen in Cho Seung-Hui's handwriting. An alert and trained analyst might have been able to see this young man's frustrations and perhaps have headed off his murderous rampage. Scouring his notebook for clues after the fact seems somehow just like "closing the door after the horse is out".
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 31
This Country, this World, are going insane. I'm thinking of buying bullet-proof vests for my kids. It's illegal, but I might have no choice.
Don't get me wrong, I think your idea has merit. But, it makes me wonder how they would use it? Are you suggesting they analyze the handwriting before accepting a kid to a school or before hiring them for a job? Or are you suggesting that there be a database made up where the handwriting of every American is kept so that gun sellers can check the results it as part of the background check? What are you thinking would be the method we would use to prevent the killing?
What is your experience in handwriting analysis? Just curious. it sounds like a fascinating area.
Excellent article, Webbie.
Also, the samples should only be analyzed if there is cause for concern, which I feel there was in Cho's case. There needs to be some type of record kept at the school, perhaps with security, that includes a profile of the students. It should be a requirement for admission. This profile would need to contain any reports made about the student by teachers or other students, as well as writing samples and any class work that is violent in nature, and any documentation of mental health care. I'm not saying the nature of the mental health care needs to be disclosed, just that the individual recieves the care. Then, if there are too many danger flags, something should be done.
One or two things alone does not warrant concern necessarily. I'm treated for anxiety and depression, and I certainly wouldn't go on a shooting spree, nor would I want to be banned from going to school or work. But if I were exhibiting the antisocial behaviors that Cho exhibited, as well as having the stalking incidents, etc., then I would expect someone to come to me about it.
Being aware of anti-social behaviors, loner personalities, false perceptions, verbal abuse, physically abusive behaviors, property damage, redflag drawing or articles isn't going to avoid acts of violence.
People either avoid or ignore these personality types; until a tradegy like this happens.
A full page of a person's handwriting in a school or work file might be one of many tools authorities could use to determine if there are 'red flags'. I wasn't meaning it should be the ONLY tool.
Happy Unbirthday Webduck- from Nigel and the family