Guns & Books

Living in America or elsewhere, our children, those born in the 21^st century, children to whom all the innovations of the modern age are available, the television, internet, social networks etc, are undoubtedly becoming bitter, enraged and violent. Whether media, bad parenting, or something else is to be blamed, the fact is that our young generations are more and more violent and intolerant with every day, and they are expressing this dissatisfaction through violence in everywhere: in the public, at home, in schools… The cartoonist Robert Mankoff expresses his concern for those children, and the future of the USA with the aggressive juveniles through his cartoon.

The student’s aggressive behavior in the public schools in the USA is a major issue for over a decade. Conflicts, or some minor disagreements among them, of with the teachers often had a tragic ending. Therefore, entering an American public school today looks more like entering a prison, with metal detectors and searching body cavities. Mankoff, presents this problem through the cartoon to wide American population.

The cartoon depicts a typical American classroom. The figure of the teacher occupies central part of it. He, Mr. Collins, looks as any average teacher, and there is nothing particularly striking in his portrait. Even his face looks a bit blunt, with evident lack of enthusiasm. We can conclude from the cartoon that the students are probably in senior year in high school, or more likely in college. Additionally to that, some of the students are portrayed as gangsters: one of them is bald, which characteristic haircut for those who are dangerous to be around. Also, other two male students, who are black, are wearing caps in the classroom, which can be interpreted as the expression of the rebellion. Therefore, we are not surprised, that after Mr. Collins introduces himself to the students for the first time, he makes it clear that he is armed. In thew other words, he does not feel safe among students, so he has to protect himself.

Mankoff’s cartoon is both comic and tragic at the same time. Its humorous side is expressed through the evident usage of hyperbole, which it so obvious that it gives the comic note to the whole situation. The tragedy of it is, that it sadly represents the reality, and the situation with which the teachers, as well as students, deal with every day in schools.

This problem affects our country, as well, not just the USA. The question that raises is who is responsible for the escalation of violence in the schools in the USA or in our country? Is it society, media, parents or something else…? How can the authorities, and we, the ordinary people, prevent this ship from further sinking? It is of a great importance that we take this issue seriously, and find the root of this dissatisfaction and rebellion that took large proportions and take extreme measures to suppress it, before it’s too late. After all, we, the youngsters, are the future of this world.