Are we going too far?

1. 94

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   Are we going too far?
   
   Elementary school children suspended for eating poptarts into gun shapes, bringing butter knives to school with their lunch, or for playing with bubble guns in kindergarten. At what point is it going too far? Are we overreacting to what use to be considered normal childhood behavior?
   BTW- I am aware the photo is a joke and didn't actually happen.
   
   

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2. 75

   Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years ago

   Yes! I hesitate to say anything against the recognition and awareness of violence and gun-related issues in the midst of all the controversy and recent tragedies. I think we are in for some ugly times but I also think we can be doing more damage than good. I have a 12 year old son and 8 year old daughter; I was very unsure of how I wanted to handle the Sandy Hook tragedy with them. There was a part of me that didn’t want to bring it to their attention, why share the ugly tragedy with them. Then I realized that it was way too publicized and they would probably be hearing about it from someone else anyway, so I’d rather be the one to handle how they found out and what kind of details they needed. It was not an easy conversation. I did not give any major details and I focused on the main factor being that it was a matter of someone being mentally-ill and untreated. I reassured them that this is not normal behavior and things like this don’t happen regularly. I don’t want my children to be afraid to go to school; I don’t want them to be afraid of life, though I must admit I fear enough for both of them. Sometimes we point out too much of the “ugly” to our children and in a sense we are compromising their carefree innocence.  I also think that we are running the risk of putting inappropriate ways of thinking in children’s heads way before they would’ve otherwise been capable of thinking that route. The more we point out the violence and turn everything into something, the more children are going to start making their own correlations. A cloud is a cloud and a Pop-Tart is a Pop-Tart. I played with squirt guns and little western pistols and all kinds of little guns growing up in the 80’s. I’m 30 now and have yet to shoot a real gun. Kids deserve to be kids.

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3. 92

   Jeannieinabottleposted 11 years ago

   Hahahaha... yes, we have gone too far.  That photo is pretty hilarious though.  It just goes to show you see whatever you like in clouds.  I personally see Snoopy.  :-) 
   
   I remember playing with water guns when I was child and I am in no way a violent criminal.  I don't own a gun, nor would I ever wish to do so.  For violent children with issues, yes, maybe they should be suspended for talk about guns or threats, but for little kids with Hello Kitty bubble guns, they need to calm down.  I'm a grown woman and I wouldn't mind having a Hello Kitty bubble gun... that sounds like fun!

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4. 72

   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   What are bubble guns? Yes, it's going to far and it's really kind of funny that people feel threatened just about those little toys. I'm not sure what is a more pathetic idea. The fact that the school is that threatened of toys or they want constant, strict control.

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5. 80

   Seeker7posted 11 years ago

   Yes, that is going too far - sounds very much like paranoia. Of course be aware and take sensible precautions, but I bet if these school principles asked proper gun safety guys what they thought about banning the kids, they would laugh!!
   
   I loved the photo and I definately see a gun!

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6. 88

   MizBejabbersposted 11 years ago

   We are definitely going too far. We are to the point that we may as wrap our kids in bubble wrap before we send them out of the house. I think some of it is a matter of control by control freaks. I certainly don't think real or even toy guns are appropriate in school, but Arkansas has just passed a law allowing school personnel to carry guns on campus. If some kid in one of those schools points a gun-shaped pop tart at a teacher legally packing heat, I shudder to think what might happen. I afraid we've all gone nuts! Loved your photo.

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7. 69

   RBJ33posted 11 years ago

   Hey peeples - Hell YES we go too far.  Zero tolerance policies need to be adjusted to include good old common sense.  I see yesterday that an 8 year old girl was handcuffed and taken from school because she was throwing a tantrum - what;s wrong with that picture.  We are a society of over-reaction instead of action.  It troubles me what these little kids of today will grow thinking.

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8. 78

   junksellerposted 11 years ago

   Normal doesn't ever really stay the same. Adult behavior isn't the same as it used to be either. I am always amazed by the number of people I see, or hear talking about, using guns as if they were toys. Just the other day I saw a uniformed US Army Colonel pointing a real gun at a buddy as a joke simply for a cool photo opportunity. Somewhere I think we have developed a serious cultural problem related to guns. They aren't toys.
   
   That doesn't necessarily mean it makes sense to bust poptart sculpting kids, but I do think we have a problem. Personally I think it's a lot of adults who are in order for a spanking.

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9. 0

   KEPitzposted 11 years ago

   Yes, I think we've definitely gone too far with the paranoia and fear. Soon, the country will be in a blind panic and that won't be a good thing for anyone. It's really kind of scary to think about.

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