I thought we might get things started with a little reflection. In one way or another we all remember witnessing this event, or do we?
Do you remember where you were on April 20, 1999? How did you hear about the Columbine massacre? What were your initial thoughts? (Thank you Oprah)
After a trip to the book store that was way too productive (went just for this book), I began reading. I was shocked at what little I remember. I remember watching it all unravel on television, but I don't remember where I was. I had just moved to CA and was unemployed so I must have been at home, but it suprises me that I don't recall much of anything. It is almost like it wasn't real. :-(
ReplyDeleteI was teaching at SPMS. I don't remember how I heard; I think I might have seen something online. Everyone started to hear about it though, and immediately some kids freaked out. I was worried that I might literally have to grab one girl to get her to calm down because she was near hysterical. I don't remember much else from the specific day, I just remember the aftermath---the panicking about kids who might say or write or do the wrong thing, bomb scares, "zero tolerance," and so forth. I also remember all the debates about violent video games and movies. Honestly, I remember wondering what the hell happened with the parents, trying to fathom how the kids created all the pipe bombs and such in the basement without them knowing. I figured there was a good chance they were absentee parents because that was the only way I could get my head around it.
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