Judith Butler argues that individuals who engage in violence bear full responsibility for their actions, emphasizing that they are not merely victims of societal forces. Instead, they are active agents who make conscious choices. This viewpoint highlights the importance of recognizing personal accountability in acts of violence.

However, Butler cautions against oversimplifying the motivations behind violent behavior as merely stemming from individual will or moral failings. She suggests that these individuals are shaped by their circumstances and experiences, indicating that a more nuanced understanding is required to grasp the complexity of violence in society.