A Call to Action
Nicholas Arcila
APRIL 16, 2007 — Twenty-three year old Virginia Tech student, Seung-Hui Cho, kills thirty-three people. His actions cause the deadliest school shooting in American history.
FEBRUARY 14, 2018 — former student of Stoneman Douglas High School Nikolas Cruz kills seventeen people, with seventeen injured
MAY 24, 2022 — Eighteen year old Salvador Ramos kills nineteen children and two adults in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Since 1970, there have been 2,032 school shootings in the United States—which averages thirty-nine school shootings a year. It seems to be a problem that is ignored, as there was little change after each shooting. The issue of the severity of gun laws and the responsibility of the media after such events should be discussed.
Gun Laws
As the country questions how to implement a safe environment for Americans, politicians and citizens alike discuss modifying gun laws. A popular opinion that emerged amongst many is to enforce stricter gun laws. Some even believe in banning guns completely in the United States. Stricter gun laws would make it more difficult to obtain a gun. If fewer people had guns, there would be fewer violent crimes and mass shootings. In states that already have strict gun laws—Connecticut, New Jersey, New York—this idea is reasonable. However, in states like Texas, Wiscosin, and Mississippi, this idea is bizarre. These states have extremely lenient gun laws, going as absurdly far as to allow eighteen year-olds to purchase guns. Personally, I don’t think it is just to implement strict gun laws in all states or to completely ban guns.
Although lenient gun laws can be a factor in mass shootings, I think that there are other, more prevalent factors. The role of the media and one’s own psychological health have a large role in mass shootings.
During our deadly and long battle for independence, the second amendment was signed. It allowed us to keep, and bear arms. I believe citizens who are considered responsible and stable should be able purchase a gun. Changing the laws and making it harder for sane, responsible citizens to possess a gun goes against American morals. However, citizens that are unstable, irresponsible, and unqualified should not be able to acquire a gun.
Media Coverage
A problem that seems to be underplayed is the role the media plays in portraying these mass shootings. For each mass shooting that occurs, the media always broadcasts information that publizes the individuals who commit these sickening crimes. These individuals seem to believe that they can get some sort of publicity through their actions.
This was exemplified during the Parkland shooting in 2018. In 2018, Nikolas Cruz killed seventeen people at Stoneman Douglas High School. Beforehand, he posted a video where he said things such as “I’m going to be the next school shooter of 2018.” and “With the power of my AR you will all know who I am.” It’s clear to see that Nikolas Cruz wanted attention for his actions, and the media gave him exactly what he wanted.
From one news channel to the next, there is massive coverage of a shooter's name and face. Not only does this give the shooter what they want, it also influences other individuals. With such a focus, some begin to think that if they replicate such atrocities, their name and face will be remembered forever.
Conclusion
There are many problems that correlate to the safety of schools. These problems need to be addressed. It is important to discuss these issues, and find solutions. These problems concern the millions of children and teachers that are the victims of these acts of destruction. I believe working through issues involving the media and gun laws is a good starting point. It is important, as a nation, to ask questions and demand change. When will officials start to take actions and make the right decisions? Will the media ever realize what they are doing? Will gun laws ever see a drastic change? While there is a solution out there, it will take time to find it.
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