Street Talk

Classroom Violence

Everyone is looking for an answer or a reason as to why two young boys decided to kill and injure their classmates, and themselves. Nobody can pinpoint where such belligerent behavior stems from. Local students at Monterey Peninsula College tell us their feelings and fears on this harrowing issue.

Jun Garcia

Age: 19

Resides: Seaside

Occupation: Student

Why do kids resort to violence? Because they''re bored.

Should schools provide counseling? Definitely. A lot of people don''t know what to do and who to talk to.

Is gun control an answer? When you put something against someone, they usually rebel.

James Reyes

Age: 20

Resides: Seaside

Occupation: Student

Why do kids resort to violence? Because some have sick fantasies.

What could prevent this? I think they should get to know about students and bring out the quiet ones. Some kids don''t give a f--k. Some don''t have the passion for life that others do.

Should schools provide counseling? Yes, some people might like to get it off their chest.

Is gun control an answer? No. If they want to get a gun, they can get it.

Chiyomi Takano

Age: 37

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Student

Why do kids resort to violence? Because of the mental condition of the family, gun control, and the media. All things influence the mind.

What could prevent this? Society needs to change and talk about gun control.

Should schools provide counseling? I think children must receive counseling in elementary school.

Akeda Callahan

Age: 27

Resides: Seaside

Occupation: Retail Sales

Do you worry about your child? Yes, my daughter throws tantrums and I think, Lord, please don''t let my daughter do this.

Would you feel responsible if your child did this? I don''t know because when you are in high school, you know right from wrong. I would still feel there was something I hadn''t done.

Do you feel your child is safe? I used to; there are too many ingredients. Who can control someone''s actions?

Christine Roux

Age: 46

Resides: Seaside

Occupation: Student

Why do kids resort to violence? Because this is an extremely violent society. I never felt scared before I came to the States. When I am a subject and you are a subject it''s OK. However, when I am a subject and I see you as an object, then I don''t care. You''re just in my way and I need to get you out of my way.

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