In Chapter 5 we learn about how we can determine a person is a threat for mass shooting. I do think that is actually possible to be able to tell if someone may be planning a mass shooting. Like it says in the chapter many times when a person decided they want to commit a mass shooting they do research on it. In todays day and age many people use the internet to research things. I'm not necessarily saying that we should monitor people who research things about a mass shootings because that would be absurd. But when you hear about mass shooters on the news they often mention that the shooters had books and articles saved on their computers or in their homes. I think that when someone is researching an alarming amount of information on mass shootings is when someone should step in. I also do think the chapter made a good point of saying that most mass shooters end up taking about or show there plans before they commit the actual act of the shooting. In the picture above you can see the Columbine shooters Eric and Dylan "shooting" guns at a camera that was taking a picture of their class. The chapter also discusses how they did mention things about the shooting before it ever happened. In most cases the shooters do say things under their breath about people or they do voice their opinions about the things that happen around them. So in the case of being able to prevent a mass shooting from happening I do think that it is possible due to the fact that there are multiple levels actually leading up to shooting actually happened according to the chapter. If you catch someone at anyone of those points I do believe that it could be very possible for that person to be stopped before they ever actually do something.
I think that the most important thing that I learned from the averted rampages section of the chapter was that the students or faculty are the most reliable ways to help a mass shooting be averted. In the section they discuss how in many cases the ones who come forward about plans for a mass shooting are often the students in the school whether it be that they were trying to be recruited by the shooters or if they overarch the shooters talking about it. I do believe that the students are the most reliable source I do understand that some of them won't come forward because they don't want to be seen as a "snitch" in school many teenagers do think that being in certain groups is more important than other things. Some kids might also not come forward due to the fact that they think the shooters might go after them if the keep their plan from happening. All in all I do think that if there was some sort of way to anonymously say that you heard someone making plans or you see them researching something or some sort of hotline that you could call.
Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point to research so much on any electronic device in today's day and age. Keeping records of what people search on the computer is not ideal because it breaks that trust of privacy; if the potential shooter wanted it to be found, they would make sure that someone would see what they were searching on the computer. So far, our book has talked about how the two shooters had journaled about all of their plans for the shooting at Columbine. They also gave clues to their peers and teachers during school assignments like projects and papers. What was baffling was that the teachers did not say anything to the principal or law enforcement. You are right; students are the most reliable when it comes to information about a potential shooter and school shooting. But that means that the students who know information about the possible school shooting that might happen need to feel safe in the environment they are in to tell someone like the police or the school.
Great thoughts!
ReplyDeleteIn my blog, I expressed how I understand the "snitching" aspect of kids not coming forward if they hear threats. In my school, which is small, I would feel comfortable reporting a threat. I was comfortable with my teachers and students, and know I wouldn't be harassed for "snitching". In the high school my mom teaches at however (a big inner city school), if you're a snitch, you're going to get a consequence. The students who go to her school are there for themselves. People fight, people get stabbed, etc. So if they hear a threat, they most likely will not report it in fear of being a rat.
It is sad that this is the case. We need to make sure all students, staff, faculty, etc. of all workplaces are comfortable and safe.
There are ways to stop some mass shooters, and reporting threats or suspicious activity is one!
Jasmine, you had a lot of great thoughts! I think my favorite part of your blog, was how you were talking about that students are definitely the best chance of stopping a mass shooting. Kids often feel more comfortable talking to other kids about stuff, and word gets around fast! That was a great point how you mentioned that sometimes, the shooters will even attempt to recruit some kids to help them commit the shooting. And like you and others have said, I can understand why so many kids are afraid of coming forward with their suspicions to officials or authorities. People often joke about how a school is so much like a prison, but there is one way they're similar: no one likes a "snitch". We need to create an opportunity for people to come forward with their suspicions because at the end of the day, its better to be safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteThis post had so many great thoughts made throughout! I agree that before Columbine there was so much told about the shooting and most people didn't realize before it was already too late. The shooters told their plans via school work and just having conversations with people. Social media in some aspects should be monitored because now shooters will post some of their plans on there also. Another aspect of your post I agree with is very hard to tell if someone is planning a mass shooting. But the students in schools are definitely the best chance of stopping a mass shooting from happening. When it comes to the shooters, there is sometimes leakage where they tell other people their plans or even show them. For example, during Columbine there were so many different forms of leakage. It all comes back to if you see or hear anything suspicious say something about it. In doing so, these students can save lives. In schools, if you tell on people, you are labeled a "rat" or a "snitch" but in situations like this it doesn't matter. Sometimes opening your mouth is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteYou had many great thoughts and points in your post. I too believe that we can identify potential mass shooters before they happen. As you said the shooters will typically talk about their future plans in some shape or form. They will tell friends or family in secret what they are planning on doing. I think if people spoke up and contacted the school or the police about the signs this student is showing that school shootings would not happen anymore. You made a great point about people who research mass shootings. If a person is showing a little to much enthusiasm when reading about school shootings that should be an alarm bell going off in someone's head.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You make a great point at mentioning how in today's day in age people use the internet for a lot of their research. Many people have smartphones, laptops, or access to the internet somehow. With access to the internet, this is how some shooters do a lot of their research and find details of the plans other shooters had. You also make a great point that while it is not necessarily a red flag that someone is researching a shooting, it should be a red flag if they seem eager or too intrigued with the topic. While some find it interesting and the mentality behind it all, there are others who want to know the details of shooting like the weapons used and the plans they had to carry out the attack.
ReplyDelete"I think that when someone is researching an alarming amount of information on mass shootings is when someone should step in." I have one problem with this statement, haven't we all done a lot of research on mass shootings at this point? There are specific circumstances where researching a given topic is not always a indicator of nefarious activity. Studying them in an academic context or security context can be helpful to understand and prevent them.
ReplyDeleteAlso, tracking the every google search of everyone to look for patterns of history... without probable cause that could be hazardous. Yes yes, patriot act and all, but it's tough. This is the delicate balance of privacy and security.
I do strongly agree with your point that, "the students or faculty are the most reliable ways to help a mass shooting be averted."