Who's to Blame?

    When tragedies occur, people often look for someone or something to blame. Such was the case after a school shooting at Columbine High School occurred in April 1999. As a result, strings of school shootings have occurred. Parents, teachers, and students blame the media for glamorizing gun usage and for giving troubled teens a solution to their problems. Parents in turn have been blamed for not teaching their children the fundamentals of right and wrong. The debate over who is to blame is one of much controversy.

    Gun shootings are covered frequently in the news and people are starting to wonder if the coverage is too much. An independent survey conducted revealed the opinions of teenagers on the media coverage of school shootings. When asked if the media plays a role in publicizing school shootings and demonstrates that violence is a way of dealing with their problems, students said, "In a way it does, but it is necessary to show people what is going on and ways to prevent it." Another student said, "The media does publicize school shootings, but it does not show teenagers that violence is an alternative. The media never says or implies that school shootings are justified." One student disagreed, "…when students see that they can get a day off of school or when they see that it will be the answer to their problems, they will do it. When they see it (school shootings) all the time, it stays in their head."

    When asked if the media should cover school shootings or just give all those involved privacy to all of those involved, students said, "No, I don't think that they should cover a school shooting because it's hard for the family members." Another student believed that, "they should cover some of it, the most important parts. But the families should have their privacy and the media shouldn't be all up in their faces."

    Most people obtain news and information from the media. I believe that the media should know their role in school shootings. People should not only be given reports on why the teenagers "exploded" and how many people were killed but also to be aware of the repercussions that come with taking someone's life. While I do feel that the media should be aware of their role in school shootings, the responsibility must first be put on the students who go on killing sprees and second on the students' parents.

    It is a parent's job to teach their children what is right and what is wrong. Anne Frank once said, "…I still believe that people are really good at heart." She believed that people are born good. It is what they are taught that shapes them into who they are. If children grow up learning that violence is wrong, it may prevent them from committing sinister crimes. I am not saying that it is not the student's fault for killing. A parent can only teach so much and it is up to yourself to get help if you need it. Everyone makes decisions for themselves, and with those decisions come consequences.

By Ioanna Psaroudakis