15 Minutes of Fame

Due to the events which transpired today in Newtown, Connecticut, I have postponed Friday’s scheduled post for a day to share my insights on another tragedy in American schools.  As cable news networks cancel their regularly scheduled programs to run with this story around the clock, I will try to avoid creating a media frenzy.  Meanwhile, politicians in Washington D.C. are in ambulance chase mode once again, trying to ban guns, blaming the weapon not the shooter, jumping to conclusions before the facts of this school shooting become public.  In my humble opinion, this is another example of a copy cat killing, inspired by the attention the Portland Mall shooting drew, attempting to gain 15 minutes of fame before their death.

I wish the cable news networks would begin to follow the example of live sports productions.  In sports, when a drunk, streaker or someone trying to seek attention jumps onto the field or court, broadcasters have now decided to avoid showing this individual.  I am not saying to avoid this crime of violence, only to handle stories like these with kid gloves and not like the O.J. Simpson freeway pursuit back in the 1990’s.  Essentially, cable news networks are exploiting the students, their families and the town of Newtown to increase their viewership.  Unfortunately, positive news does not earn ratings so networks continue to press the envelope by highlighting crimes, death and violence each evening on the local news.

When experts begin appearing on television throughout this next week, revealing their spin on why school shooters occur, maybe they should consider the following reasons.  If there is so much hatred in our world, why not read a different Bible verse each day over the public address system, urging students to love one another.  If there is bitterness, division or fights within schools, why not get together to pray for a spirit of unity.  Instead of blaming others, why not hold students accountability, making each sign a contract to be responsible for upholding the rules within their school.  As a former teacher, if you expect much from your students, often they will rise to the occasion.  However, when individuals don’t have any goals, objective or standards, little results will follow.

Finally, I believe there are more factors involved than just a gun.  First, will the media consider the influences of music which breeds hatred and violence toward public officials like the police?  Second, will psychologists recognize the impact shoot-em up video games like Black Ops, Halo and Modern Warfare has had on diminishing the value of life?  Third, will experts tie violence to a lack of religion or religious beliefs?  The sad thing about today’s events is that 20 people as of now, have had their life cut short.  May God send his angels upon these families, to this school and community to minister to them in their time of need, Matthew 4:11.

by Jay Mankus