Going to High School in the 1970s: A Different Time

In the 1970s, going to high school was a distinctly different experience. As someone who attended schools in central Delaware during this era, firearms were not visible around any of the schools I attended. This was a time mostly characterized by rural life and the majority of students were farm kids who hunted. Nevertheless, violence was a reality, with fights, bullying, racial violence, and sexual assaults being rampant. A man was even killed in a riot following a football game, an incident that I had walked by just a short time earlier. The portrayal of a peaceful past is far from accurate.

Weapons and Civility in Rural America

It is a myth to suggest that guns were absent from schools in the 1970s. Rather, the presence of weapons was understood, and they were not brought to school. We were taught that guns were not toys. However, the absence of violence was not solely due to a lack of weapons; it was because the students were brought up with a sense of right and wrong, and civility was the norm. It is important to consider that some of the most dangerous incidents in recent history have been attributed to a lack of parental guidance, as well as societal changes that prioritize material success over the well-being of children.

The Role of Media and Video Games in Violence

Violent video games and the media’s depictions of violence are partly to blame for the current levels of aggression in society. Contrary to the belief that weapons alone can deter violence, it is the context in which these weapons are used that determines their impact. In the past, the presence of guns did not provoke violence; it is the context of their use that has changed. Deterrence works when there is a clear understanding that the cost of initiating violence is too high. This is precisely what deterred violence in the past, but it is no longer the case.

Changes in Society and Their Impact on Violence

The big shift between the generation that experienced high school in the 1980s and those who were there in the 1990s lies in the change of raising children. The 1990s saw a rise in the number of children who were raised in daycare centers instead of by their parents. This change in upbringing could have a profound impact on the way children develop, their ability to understand right from wrong, and their overall behavior. Raising children with the presence of parents is crucial for their development, and depriving children of this crucial relationship can lead to significant issues in their lives.

Conclusion: The Importance of Parental Involvement

Society's focus on material success and competition has led to an environment where children are often placed in daycare centers to give parents more time to work. While this can improve the standard of living, it comes at a significant cost to the children. Raising one child with one full-time parent can yield far better outcomes in terms of emotional and social development. The old ways might seem traditional, but they are still the best way to ensure the well-being of children. It is crucial to recognize that material success alone does not equate to a better standard of living; it is the happiness and security of the children that truly matter.