Thoughts on gun violence

In response to the letter published two weeks ago regarding gun violence at the Kamiak/Mariner football game and the chaos that ensued: first, what a wonderfully written letter by the Kamiak student.

Her frustration with the incident is clearly heard in her letter, and for good reason.

However, this was an unpredictable incident with a crowd of people who are being raised in a society where shootings are rampant - a crowd of students who have experienced first- and second-hand the devastation from a shooting in their own hometown. Panic is to be expected.

I understand the need to want to place blame for the chaos on something, whether it be school administrators, security officers, parents, coaches, students, police officers, or guns.

The truth is the only place blame needs to be put is on the person who pulled the trigger, on the person that wanted to ignite fear into the lives of others to make themselves feel more powerful or “cool.” Our job as a society is to figure out why.

Not only are we living in a society where gun violence is running rampant, but we are also living in a society where nine of the top-10 video games played in America are packed with gun violence: Grand Theft Auto, Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch, Dota 2, Counter Strike Global Offensive, PUBG, League of Legends, and Fortnite Battle Royal.

We are living in a society where parents are buying their children these games for Christmas!

What I am frustrated with is the double standard. Our entire nation is outraged with real life gun violence but doesn’t take issue, and even contributes to, their children’s enjoyment of it, virtually. I am frustrated with so many parents who don’t see the correlation.

I think as a society we need to wake up and pay attention to how we are mentally feeding our children if we don’t want this chaos to continue.

Jenny Eglian

Kamiak parent

Mukilteo