A college student went missing. His family and friends were distraught. The community was encouraged to be on the lookout and spread the word. Days passed. They must have been agonizing days for those who cared about the missing student. Thoughts that foul play had been involved cannot have been far from their thoughts. Then, at last, the student was found. Alive. The news was shared with the public. So. Much. Relief. A family had been reunited with their child. Even though we know that life is complicated, I think it is okay to accept this as a happy ending and leave it at that. But the world of social media says no. For every expression of joy at the news came questions and even judgement. It became clear to me that some folks felt entitled to an explanation. They wanted the backstory. It’s as though they felt that, by enlisting the help of the public on social media, the authorities now owed them all the details. Television dramas often weave curr...
Does football attract violence? Does football encourage violence? I don’t know. I do know that it’s an inherently violent sport. The fact that the United States continues to celebrate football when the incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury in players (even under the age of 18) has been well-documented tells me that we tolerate violence. It’s just a part of the game. When I think about the activities that young people participate in at the high school level, I have a hard time coming up with any that have the culture of violence that football does. To be clear: all kids can get into problems with drugs and alcohol. And even one or two charismatic and unkind classmates can turn any group into a toxic environment. It could be band, cheerleading, or the student business leaders. None are exempt because adolescence is a struggle. But it seems to me that the behavior on display at Howard High School - - which has caused the cancellation of the rest of the ...