What I Would Do If I Had To Report Another School Shooting
I’m not watching the coverage of the massacre at Sante Fe High School because it’s the blueprint we’re used to internalizing whenever tragedy hits — and young White men with murderous motives are involved.
My mother returns from her substitute teaching gig and sees me sitting on the sofa with my ears plugged into Beats 1. The TV screen plays in the background as my father’s expressionless face watches the all-too familiar chaos being translated by the impeccably dressed staples of CNN.
My mother has the “what now!” vibe and I can feel her words breathing around me — as I pretend to be totally immersed in the marathon of hits from artists who are too young to comprehend what’s like to exist without the breaking news of gun violence — incessantly violating our right to live.
When I can’t escape any longer — I take out one of the buds and catch her mid-sentence — inquiring about the details of the shooting — which includes the time of day it transpired.
I politely assure my mother about my commitment to place my interests elsewhere since I’m not in a position to alter the landscape of reporting — with the investigative skills needed to evoke the spirit of progressiveness — that would exact pressure on those who are enjoying an unfairly easy ride.
The temperature of the media has been monopolized by Donald Trump’s bullish disposition — and we’re witnessing how all the moving parts in his toxic administration has given journalists the freedom to pursue their obsession — to the point of madness.
When the Parkland shooting occurred on Valentine’s Day of this year — there was a ceremonious recognition of how this tragedy was the deal breaker in the realm of gun violence — and how the ones who suffer the most — happen to be the tragically vulnerable — who are helplessly regulated to the consequences of greedy — rich fucks — who would rather extend the lifespan of their assets — at the expense of endangered babies.
Sandy Hook didn’t do it. Imagine that. A young White male with a troubled past and access to assault rifles — stormed a classroom and blew away children as well as the teachers that used their bodies as human shields.
