Lecture Notes: Origin of the Term "Going Postal"
Introduction
- The term "going postal" originates from a tragic event involving Patrick Sherrill.
- Location: Edmond, Oklahoma.
Background on Patrick Sherrill
- Described as a prototypical loner, socially inept from childhood.
- Nicknamed "Crazy Pat" by peers.
- Served in the Marines with an honorable discharge.
- Suggested that the structured environment of the military was suitable for him.
Employment at the Postal Service
- Joined the Postal Service in Edmond, Oklahoma in Spring 1985.
- Worked as a reserve letter carrier for 16 months.
- Had a mixed work ethic reputation; seen as quiet, socially distant, but also unreliable.
- Known for loving guns and calling himself a small arms expert.
Events Leading to the Incident
- On August 19, 1986, faced a negative discussion with supervisors about work performance.
- Forewarned a coworker he was friendly with not to come to work on August 20, 1986.
The Incident: August 20, 1986
- Arrived at the post office with firearms early in the morning.
- Targeted supervisors and others he felt belittled him.
- Killed 14 people and wounded 6 in the shooting spree.
- Victims' names commemorated with a memorial fountain.
- Capture and death: Sherrill committed suicide before police arrival.
Historical Context of Postal Shootings
- Not the first postal shooting; the first occurred in 1970 (Los Angeles, CA).
- Additional notable postal shooting in 2006 by Jennifer San Marco in Goleta, CA.
Broader Implications and Legacy
- "Going postal" became a phrase and part of the cultural lexicon in the 1990s.
- Postal Service aims to move away from the term due to its negative connotations.
- Emphasizes workplace violence and mental health issues.
Conclusion
- Sherrill's grave: isolated, with no adornments.
- Commentary on the impact of workplace violence and the need for vigilance.
- The vlogger's personal reflections and ongoing exploration of crime stories.
Note: These notes summarize a lecture on the origin and implications of the term "going postal," including historical events and broader societal issues related to workplace violence.