So, I read all about NBC getting the package and all. They apparently made the tough decision to show it on the air. I was not able to see it at that time, and now it sounds like I never will. This is unfortunate, because I was really looking forward to seeing what this crazy kid had to say for himself. Many people, however, were not, and say NBC made the wrong decision to show it. Apparently, a guy pointing a gun at the camera is too graphic for some people to handle... like they haven't been watching the majority of popular TV shows and movies recently...
But, of course, it had to come down to the students at VTech to tell the press to go away. No one seemed to realize that all the publicity was hurting those involved and slowing the healing process. Maybe it's just me, but it helps to put a horrendous incident out of your mind by not talking about it so much. Everyone says NBC was wrong in showing the tape, but no one, besides VTech students, cared that this was getting way too much press.
But the question becomes: Was it wrong to show it? As I said, I wanted to see it. It sounded like the majority of people in this country would want to see it, too, due to all of the talk of "Why in the world would someone do this?" The guy sends a tape, and a manifesto, of exactly why he did it, and spells it all out for you, and answers your questions, but you don't want to watch it.
*blink*
What? I thought you wanted to know why this would happen... I still hear people on the radio and TV asking why he did it, since he was such a quiet and reserved kid. The New York Times ran a piece that said he never really talked at all, even to his family, and people around him went to great lengths to try to get him to say anything. Now, he speaks! He finally talks! And yet... we don't want to listen. Who are you people??
Now, I'm not condoning what he did. Killing 30 people is bad, period. But this kid was trying to send us a message. I say hear him out.
Posted by Shenlon at April 23, 2007 11:29 AM