Columbine

Before the tragedy of September 11th, there was a prior occurrence that took the entire country by surprise. On April 20, 1999, two years before, a mass shooting occurred in Jefferson County, Colorado. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, two enrolled high school students, decided to plant a pair of homemade propane bombs within Columbine High School. Their intentions were to cause destruction and kill at least 500 people inside. Harris and Klebold observed from the school’s parking lot as they waited for the bombs to explode. When realizing that the bombs failed to go off, they took an alternate action and entered through the doors of Columbine. Armed with shotguns and semi-automatic weapons, they succeeded in killing and injuring thirty-four of their fellow students in a violent shooting rampage. Shortly after, they took their own lives by each shooting a bullet through their heads. This planned mass homicide, and preceding [I think you mean subsequent here. Precede means to come before] suicide, put a deep impact on America and its juvenile culture. It left many questioning why such an event had taken place and what could have caused two boys to commit such a vile, inhumane act.

Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold appeared to be two normal teenage boys. They played video games, watched movies, and did other common activities of kids their age. They set themselves apart from others, though, as they wore trench coats, stayed somewhat quiet in school, and tended to keep to themselves. This unfortunately contributed to Harris and Klebold obtaining lower social statures among their peers, leading to a vast amount of teasing and bullying on their part. This was clearly bothering the boys, and Harris made this apparent through his postings on a private website. He wrote of his hatred towards society and his desire to kill all who annoyed him. Harris also made threats towards the students and teachers of Columbine High School in the form of a “hit list”, specifically targeting individual people. Those listed were obviously among those that had displeased him in some way, and he was bitter for revenge. His bitterness unfortunately grew into an intense rage, and with the help of his accomplice, Klebold, it lead [led] to the unfortunate massive bloodshed that we still recall today.

The saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is not only cliché, but also proves false. Despite what is said, we as humans are extremely reliant on others views and our place in society. The shooting at Columbine High School is a prime example of the negative influence people can produce on others. Words can be harsh and cold, but may never be taken back however hard one may try. Actions speak even louder than words, and even the smallest, callous act affects us in some way. Though we strive to be self-dependent, the people around us vastly impact how we feel and also how we look at ourselves. This is an inevitable part human nature. With that in mind, all people should take more consideration upon their choice of words and actions. By doing such a simple deed as this, it may be possible to create a more peaceful, pleasant world.

[This paper feels incomplete. Klebold and Harris shot thirty-four people because of bullying? I was teased in Junior High, and I didn't turn into a mass-murderer. I think you make interesting first steps towards finding causes of the massacre, but there isn't enough analysis and I don't feel like this paper establishes a complete argument. That said, this is very well written.]

Work Cited

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbine_High_School_massacre∞