Guest Editorial by: Theresa Moffett, Staff Writer – East Lee County High School Newspaper
Is the media at fault for school shootings around the world? Many people feel that the media is the reason that school shootings are becoming more and more popular. Think about it, the media has a reputation for taking things out of context. For example, the Zimmerman and Martin case. Mass media took a case that shouldn’t have been a big deal and put it all over the news and social networks, which really created a diversion amongst the people. In the online article “Crucial Conversations” Joseph Grenny states that “The media not only amplifies the violence but inspires the next shooter by naming the shooter, describing his characteristics, detailing the crime, numbering the victims, and rank them against other “successful” attacker.”
Others feel that the media is not to blame for the school violence. Most shooters exhibit an aspect of mental illness leading some in the medical community to believe that is the cause. Furthermore, the media strikes again when the NRA (National Rifle Association) feels video games are to blame. Video games are considered to be interactive media. They also have become more aggressive and violent over the years. One of the most popular games “Bioshock” includes killing little girls for in game rewards. Along with “Silent Hill” the horrific video game that couldn’t even release one of the monsters called “The Grey Child” because it resembles a small child which is encountered near a school. One of the worst games released in the 1990’s was “Doom”. It might not have been the original first-person shooter game, but it certainly popularized the style. And there was something about seeing the violence from the viewpoint of the shooter that really got to people. There was also blood and gore, shotguns and chainsaws. There was no surprise when the public discovered that the shooters in the 1999 Columbine High School tragedy were avid doom players.
School violence isn’t just national news, it happens in our own back yard. School violence doesn’t even need to involve a gun. There was an incident between Cypress Lake High School and Mariner High School during a football game that started on the field and ended in the parking lot. Not only did they attack Mariner’s players but also referees. The violence ended with the refs getting escorted off the field by police, suspension for twenty-seven players and Lee County Schools had to pay a $4,000 fine. In addition, the head coach has been fired for not being able to control his team.
Is there any clear solution to solving this tragic epidemic? Schools are doing the best they can with providing safety procedures to try and to prevent another tragedy. Metal detectors are being installed and kids are being examined closer. Is the problem really with the schools and students…? Or is there a bigger problem? You decide.
Editor’s Note: The views expressed by Theresa Moffett do not necessarily reflect those held by the staff of the Lehigh Acres Gazette. The Gazette provides a venue for people to express their opinions concerning any subject matter and presents this as “opinion,” not news.