COLUMBINE SHOOTING

Did violence in video games cause this?

By: Mackenzie Drake

BACKGROUND

Occurred on April 20, 1999

Killed 12 students, 1 teacher, and injured 21 others

It was the 4th deadliest massacre in the United States

Caused controversy on gun control laws, nature of high school cliques, and role of violent video games in American society

Eric Harris

Dylan Klebold

FACTORSVideo Games

Goth sub-culture

Choice of Date

Guns

BASEMENT TAPESTime called the tapes the shooters' "final word, to all those who had picked on them over the years, and to everyone who would come up with a theory about their inner demons".

Eric: "Say it now.” 

Dylan: "Hey mom. Gotta go. It's about a half an hour before our little judgment day. I just wanted to apologize to you guys for any crap this might instigate as far as (inaudible) or something. Just know I'm going to a better place. I didn't like life too much and I know I'll be happy wherever the fuck I go. So I'm gone. Good-bye. Reb..."

Eric: "Yea... Everyone I love, I'm really sorry about all this. I know my mom and dad will be just like.. just fucking shocked beyond belief. I'm sorry, all right. I can't help it.” 

Dylan: (interrupts) "We did what we had to do.” 

Eric: "Morris, Nate, if you guys live, I want you guys to have whatever you want from my room and the computer room.”

Eric: (eventually) "That's it. Sorry. Goodbye.”

VIDEOhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cglnvXzitOQ

END.

“There’s no denying the concern for someone that does something on an extremely excessive basis (be it gaming, watching TV, doing exercise, working, etc.). In most cases, this has more to do with the person than the thing: mental stability, depression, social anxieties, and low self-esteem, whatever. Let’s find better ways to help the people and worry less about the “things”.