Racism or Sex Addiction: Why not both?

I received a reply from a male coworker who wanted feedback on some thoughts and struggles he had towards the Atlanta health spa shootings. I tend to veer away from conflict, and was too emotionally exhausted to give it a well thought out response. Below are his points and my spoon-full-of-sugar response.

• He hopes this comes across in the right tone and concern

• He believes that any man or woman is made in God's image, regardless of race

• He feels a misrepresentation of what happened in Atlanta

• Those horrible actions are being used to try and fuel more race-driven initiatives

• The killer was driven by sexual addiction and a warped view that those killed took away his "purity.” 

• He’s been struggling with: "does it matter what the killer’s reasoning was?"

• Should they be held up as "racially driven murders" when it doesn't seem that's the case?

• Shouldn't the focus be on his sexual addiction and obvious mental disturbances?

My response:

• My opinion is that while his reason is sex addiction, he chose to go somewhere where the women were Asian.

• It enforces a narrative that Asian women are weak and disposable. 

• If not explicitly motivated, I believe that racial factors were [at least] an implicit part of his choice. 

• The fact that it’s implicit is even more challenging, requires even more attention to root out the causes.

• So, I think we are right to draw attention to it. It’s not gonna feel like surgical precision, but I think all humans deserve better. That’s why we are talking about race.

His response:

• Thanks, appreciate the reply. Great perspective