American schools now live in daily fear of an active campus shooter. There is no doubt that this has become a devastating problem and an even greater indictment of the country’s gun culture.
The Second Amendment lives firmly in the hearts of many Americans because of the nation’s history as a free country, united by a hatred of tyranny. Unfortunately, however, this historical right has been violated to the level of mass murder, not self-defense.
In a recent online discussion, people are being asked for suggestions to end the brutal wave of mass shootings in schools. Here are ten responses from the general Internet public in America.
1. Listen to your children
Engaging with the younger generation is a good starting point for any society. But, unfortunately, today there is a gap between generations. “Parents need to listen and hug their kids more,” suggests one teacher who watches every day what the absence of children from school leads to.
2. More than thoughts and prayers
The hug approach is met with opposition from those who have tragically lost their brother or sister during the school massacre. “It is literally the same as saying “thoughts and prayers!” But it doesn’t really do anything,” the indignant commentator replies. They say action is needed on this issue, not meaningless rhetoric.
3. Give space but don’t push
“Don’t take it personally when they’re rude, direct or upset,” one parent pleads as she recounts how a teen in their community committed suicide. So what if your teen slams the door or tells you to leave him alone? “Just gentle reminders of love,” the same parent suggests.
4. Anger management
A parent of a five-year-old boy shares how they discuss his feelings and how sometimes we can’t control them. This parent says that by acknowledging this anxiety at an early age, we children can understand that their actions are “a choice we make to deal with or express our feelings.”
5. Break the system
While many people are calling for stricter gun control measures, criticism of the idea comes from one respondent. They believe that nothing will change if we do not loosen the stranglehold of corrupt corporations over society and stop the influence of the gun lobby on public policy. “I mean it really needs a major overhaul,” they agree.
6. Gun control is not the answer.
While some believe that any effects of stricter gun control will be temporary at best, most people feel that guns are too ingrained in American culture. “Guns have been a part of American life ever since [sic] forever,” lamented one of the participants. “Now you want to take them all? Will not happen.”
7. Register all weapons
The constructive post offers an exhaustive list of methods they believe will be effective, namely that “all guns must be registered – like a car.” This makes sense given how dangerous a gun is in the wrong hands – just like a car. I’m surprised this isn’t a federal law yet.
8. Question about mental health
One panellist believes the biggest problem is the mental health pandemic in America after seeing videos of calls for help posted by mass shootings. However, their review has a defeatist tone: “But this is the USA. These mass shootings are a symptom of a sick society.”
9. Treat kids like money
We guard armored trucks, but we refuse to do so in schools. However, the Columbine shooters took advantage of the guard’s break, while Stoneman Douglas fired the guard into hiding. This can also be a contentious issue, as some states oppose guns on campus.
10. Stop Giving Shooter Names
Many thread members agree that until the media stops treating these shootings as entertainment, they will continue. “The news channels are detailing these shootouts,” one post reads. “This is not a report. It’s entertainment.”
This topic inspired me to write this post.
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