Beheadings: How did you feel?

[Togakure]

Yes, yes indeed. You have articulated well what I was having trouble putting into words. Thanks.

[Quietus]

This is probably an old, tired subject. I almost never watch news, nor do I read it often.

My friend just showed me two internet-based clips of beheadings in Iraq: one of a Korean, and one of someone by the name of Berg. They were performed after a speech by hooded executioners, with a large dagger-like object, not a sword. They were not instantaneous deaths--not by a long shot.

Have any of you seen these clips? If so, how did you feel after watching them? Can anyone give me some background information about these killings--perpetrators, victims, circumstances, etc.?

I am not a squeamish man, but after watching the Berg killing, my stomach did wiggle a bit. My mind was numbed by a combination of disgust and rage. I'm glad I watched them; seeing them provided insight into the degree of hate that some possess over there and what they are capable of. I will not watch them a second time though.

Haven't seen any of it. I already know they were beheaded and they are already dead, so watching it on video for some graphically-induced stimulation/feelings from someone being massacred is moot and pointless to me.

[Shaka_Khan]

I didn't watch any of it. Just hearing about it is enough to make me sick.
What's really scary is that the terrorists can get away with it. This clearly shows that the Iraqi situation is messed up. Unfortunately, we act like it's not happening because there's not much we can do about it.
What bothers me is that these videos are on the internet, and some people are having fun with it. Imagine what the victims' families are going through, knowing that the videos are posted on the internet.

[Togakure]

As I see it, it's the lack of viewer respect that's shameful, not that the vids are on the 'net. I try and imagine if it were my brother, or mother, who was victimized. Having the videos on the 'net could be a good thing, if it brought the atrocity to the attention of the (outraged) masses and inspired propaganda and/or action against the perpetrators. But when it becomes an item of entertainment for those who have little respect or concern for anything that doesn't affect them directly ... .

[Geoffrey S]

I saw them a while ago; I didn't like it, but the videos do take away the feeling of distance, they bring home the fact that behind the numbers real people are murdered. They certainly put any thought out of my mind that such actions are justifiable in any way, showed what's behind the numbers. Frankly such a thing is sickening, as is the glee of people I know when they hear of another setback or attack in Iraq at the cost of coalition troops, as if it's some kind of vindication.

[GoreBag]

My first beheading was the Czech Rebel cutting a russian soldier's throat with a commando knife. He was not as calm or submitted as Berg (he seemed like it). I don't what'd his family/wife think. He's pretty young; about mid 20's. The guy was groaning and stuff. I don't mind gore but I can't watch their expressions and stuff. They just make me wanna cry. I haven't seen anything since nor planned to see anything.

Oh, I saw that one. I was a lot younger than I am now, and it was disguised as a porn clip. I got owned, I admit.

[Roark]

I think a couple of people here have over-simplified the reason/cause why someone would knowingly watch this stuff.

I've seen a couple of the clips that have been mentioned here, and I'll readily admit that it was morbid curiosity and a feeling of being "cloistered" in my daily life which motivated me to see them.

I mean, I've seen some horrible stuff, but almost all of it consists of accidents or acts of God, rather than directed violence.

To answer the original question, I felt profoundly saddened and horrified after seeing the videos. I generally look for the best in human beings in all situations, and I'm a guy who's very sensitive to the pain of others. Bad combo.

I have a really hard time being optimistic about the human race when my mind tries to reconcile the fact that we are the same species as the psychopaths and discompassionate fanatics we share this world with.

Anyway, I don't think I'm "sick". I'm glad that I saw some of the material, because I will never EVER forget it. It brought home some realities, and might induce me to be more compassionate to my fellow man in situations which I would otherwise not be as receptive...