By Mike Simmons
Sad story…On Wednesday, a young man entered into the Antioch, Tennessee high school and opened fire on two students, killing one. He then turned the gon on himself. The report said that the troubled man was upset about something he read online.
I’m not writing to question security, or how the young man got the gun, but my question is why. I don’t mean to question his motive, but…
I am 62 years old and I can’t remember ouvert sh0otings taking place when I was a kid or even a young adult. I also don’t remember it being a major occurrence before my time. Of course, things happened. I am not saying that nothing ever did, but not on the scale that they happen today.
I don’t think it is the availability of gons, as they have been available in the United States since its beginning, possibly moreso.
I don’t think it is the invention of the Internet, or social media, as kids have always gotten upset over small things – no different than today.
I don’t think young people are necessarily more violent today than they used to be. In fact, violence was more accepted in my childhood than today. Even the Wiley Cayote always got the worst end of the deal from the Road Runner, and usually ended up smashing him flat on the road. Nobody though twice about it.
So, back to my original question…why? Why do young people take such drastic measures to exact revenge, or express themselves, or do whatever they do. Why?
Thoughts?