http://www.freep.com/article/20130330/NEWS07/130330012/Fifth-graders-face-trial-for-planning-to-kill-classmate?odyssey=obinsite
I saw this; how tragic can it get? Why on earth would 5th graders need to kill a classmate? What could she have done that was worth that? So sad.
Man.... I am trying to come up with a new theory as to what is going on in society today. When I was in 5th grade, all I could think about was recess/kickball, playing baseball and riding bikes.
I guess you'd have to look into the dynamics of these kids home lives for a start. Then, how much truth would you really get?
It really is a whole new world. It is impossible for me to wrap my mind around this.
Honestly, I don't get it. I find it impossible to wrap my head around it as well. Where does this discontent come from? It has to start in the home, I'd guess.
Remember back to your 5th grade years.... I kid you not. Recess and playing kickball, baseball and riding my bike were MY priorities. (Oh, and looking out for my little sister.)
I think it is related to the freuent violent images the kids are continually exposed to in the media, especially the games.
I know, I played war games as a kid, and played out death scenes, the whole bit, but I don't think I was as desensitized to death as the kids are nowadays. They are constantly exposed to images of killing and sometimes it is even glorified.
I think other things contribute to it as well, like not enough responsible adult guidance and nurturing. Kids need attention and validation in their lives and I think that need is underestimated.
They play even more of those games in Japan but don't have near the violence that we have.
As far as the games (video) go, there are a lot of kids who play that are not violent. They know the difference and understand that difference.
I remember back to the days where Ozzie Osbourne and his music were being blamed for suicides. The guy has millions of fans, and a couple committed suicide....?
You've got to look at the individual. Something is amiss, that's for sure.
"I think other things contribute to it as well, like not enough responsible adult guidance and nurturing. Kids need attention and validation in their lives and I think that need is underestimated. "
Feels weird to quote myself, but you guys didn't bother with the 2nd paragraph. Ha!
I don't pretend that either are entirely responsible but I think that lack of attention and interest in ones children along with the intense violent images the kids are immersed in, largely contribute to this sort of thing.
It doesn't take much to look a child in the eye, listen to her/his thoughts, demonstrate concern for his/her feelings, but a lot of ppl don't really know how to do that consistently.
"They play even more of those games in Japan but don't have near the violence that we have."
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Good Point, I never thought of that.