Gun Violence
I watched one of the documentaries provided by Free Spirit Media and one of them was on gun violence. Gun violence is an extremely prevalent concern within our nation and in our schools. While the documentary doesn't specifically touch on gun violence in school, but rather it talks about what could be the root of gun violence. It mentions our communities, the flow of guns and where they are coming from, the right to bear arms, all things that relates to guns and some thoughts about it.
There is a part in the documentary that mentions the disparity of gun distribution in our city of Chicago. It was said that there is not many guns on the north side of Chicago. But rather, many of the guns are in the west and south side of Chicago where there are many minorities. The question that they posed was, why is it that there are more guns in the south and west side than the north? Is it our politicians or people in power and wealth that do nothing to help those communities out of that violence. They say this because there is also a lot of guns that come into the city and state from outside of the state (often in neighboring states such as Indiana) where it is easier to purchase guns. Even though Chicago has many regulations regarding guns, people are still able to get one rather legally or illegally rather simply since there are other ways of obtaining them.
Relating the circulation of guns and the disparity of guns distribution in neighborhoods to schools. It brings to the question of how schools are handling gun violence. If the city is also unable to safely regulate guns, how can schools make sure that a student does not bring one into a school. In my experience of being in high school, I had went to an affluent high school so there was less concern of potential gun violence but there is always a possibility. The school would do bag checks to make sure no one brings in anything dangerous, however this was done rather laxly. They would randomly single out and point at students to come over for a bag check and to walk through a metal detector. Which was likely the schools safety protocol however, there were quite a lot of loop holes within the school that could be exploited to bypass this. So there wasn't a guarantee of gun safety in the school. It was only once when the school got a bomb threat that they checked everyone's bags and made everyone go through a metal detector. However, once it had passed the school proceeded as they did previously. There are definitely factors that need to be considered when taking the approach of every one needs to be checked, that means getting into the school takes longer and that students will have to come earlier so that they aren't late. If everyone student comes late then its a huge line of people waiting to get in. Although this is from an affluent high school, how could we implement either laws or certain protocols that would help better or ensure the safety of our students to the greatest extent in schools in general. Should we have every student walk through a metal detector and their bags checked? How can we help reduce gun violence not only in school but also in our communities?
Teaching people how to use the internet responsibly, which includes identifying harmful content, dealing with online conflict in a more passive way, and knowing when and where to reach out for help. In terms of digital literacy, I believe it helps people think critically about what they see online, avoid falling for dangerous ideas or fake news, and make better decisions when interacting with others. It also helps spread awareness about programs and resources that can help prevent violence, whether in schools or in the community. If we can really start to implement some of these tools, we can start to create safer spaces online for those in our communities most at risk to gun violence.
ReplyDeleteThere is a real conversation to be had about how gang violence has become arguably more violent due to social media. Like Hugo mentioned, teaching students the dangers of the internet and being realistic with them is very important. People challenge one another now via Instagram, direct messaging and other means. This conflicts can spill into educational environments which obviously pose a danger to many. I am not really sure how to prevent gun violence as a whole. Guns are such an epidemic to the country, it is so difficult to reduce it in our communities. I believe important laws that prevent guns from being sold to people along with people selling guns illegally can be effective, but ultimately isn't a final solution. As guns develop they become more deadly too, the guns of the 90s arent the guns of today, and modifications can make them even more dangerous. I think we need to be reaching out to people, letting their voices be heard. Many people are stuck in a very deadly cycle and we need to all be better as a city about caring for our neighbors, and we need to take care of our kids.
ReplyDeleteGun violence is a huge issue in America and in Chicago. Many schools in the city have metal detectors and require every student to walk through them and check their bag every day. I think in some schools this is necessary. For example, CPS schools that are not selective enrollment usually have a metal detector. Some Charter schools also have a metal detector. There are bomb threats that are usually fake but always cause the students to go home or be put under lockdown. I think for schools that are underfunded and in a neighborhood with high gun violence, it is absolutely necessary to have metal detectors for all the students to walk through. In safer neighborhoods and at schools that are not underfunded, the risk of a school shooter is lower, so a metal detector might not be necessary. However, at those schools it is still important to make sure everyone coming in is a student or staff and have random bag checks if necessary.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of singling out a "random" student for bag checks has always been an issue for me, we as humans are always subject to our own concious and unconcious biases that force our choices. So to me their is no real idea of a random search, but i do agree that there has to be some way of preventing shootings before they begin. My school didnt have many threats like that, though recently we had a police officer shot and killed a couple blocks from the school. Our school is lucky to have social workers that are there to help students through their tough periods, though many schools are not as fortunate as ours. I understand that clear backpacks and metal detectors have been used in other schools and has been positive in their outcomes.
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ReplyDeleteGun violence is a pressing issues in the United States, especially in major cities like Chicago, New York City, and St. Louis as well as in schools all over the US. The disparity in gun distribution, as mentioned, reflects systematic issues that make certain neighborhoods more vulnerable. Addressing gun laws (especially the flow of guns into states with lenient gun laws) and investing in underserved neighborhoods are key steps for change.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to schools, consistent safety protocols are important. Although something I could relate to, schools have metal detectors and bag checks, but its implemented thoughtfully to avoid loopholes (and aren't even enough at times). We need to ensure that both students and staff are checked fairly, without discrimination, is critical.
To reduce gun violence more broadly, we need to have a community that is invested. Providing resources and support to the neighborhoods most affected by violence and help put an end to the cycle. Programs that'll focus on mental health and resolution are just as important as addressing hun access itself. Change in the community and the law will lead this country into a safer direction.