Three Years Ago Today: March For Our Lives | The Daily Show

Summary

This transcript features a discussion with students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, reflecting on their emotional journey following a tragic school shooting. They share personal experiences of grief, the challenge of returning to school, and thoughts on gun control and safety. The conversation highlights the students' desire for change, with some advocating for stricter gun laws while others emphasize personal safety measures. Despite differing views, they unite in their shared pain and determination to prevent future tragedies, while navigating the complex emotions of being thrust into a national spotlight.

Takeaways

• 😔 There are different levels of grief among the students, but the overall mood is supportive, and students feel comfortable comforting each other.
• 😢 Many students didn't initially realize the shooting was real, with some only comprehending the gravity after hearing about friends being shot.
• 💔 The students acknowledge that while they may never fully overcome the tragedy, they are working through it together as a community.
• 😞 The school shooting has made them feel like a part of a tragic national story, but they also feel it's still their personal experience and loss.
• 👥 The students have become a symbol of hope and resilience, with the nation rallying behind their cause to prevent future tragedies.
• 🔫 There are strong calls for gun control, especially restrictions on assault weapons and better mental health checks to prevent future shootings.
• 🚫 Some students are against arming teachers, arguing that it wouldn't be effective and would detract from education funding.
• 💡 The students highlight the importance of bipartisan solutions like gun violence restraining orders to prevent dangerous individuals from accessing firearms.
• 🤝 Despite differing opinions on gun control and solutions, the students remain united in their shared pain and respect each other's perspectives.
• 🕊 The students feel that their pain and the lives lost are sometimes overshadowed by political agendas and media attention, calling for a focus on both gun control and the victims.

Q & A

What is the general mood among students after the shooting?

The general mood is supportive, though there are different levels of grief. Students are comfortable supporting each other, even those they don't know.

How did the students initially react to the shooting when it occurred?

Many students, like Thomas, thought it was a drill for the first half-hour. It wasn’t until they heard about people being shot that they realized it was real.

Do the students feel like the shooting is still part of their school’s identity, or has it become a national issue?

Students feel like it’s both. It’s still their story because it happened in their community, but the nation has taken it upon itself to make systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.

What were the students’ thoughts when they returned to school after the shooting?

It was hard to believe they were returning to a place that had experienced such tragedy. Many felt like they didn’t want to be known as the 'next Columbine.'

Why do the students think their school mobilized a national movement following the tragedy?

The students believe it's because of their ingrained sense of wanting to be the change they wish to see in the world. This message had been emphasized to them from an early age.

What specific gun control measures do students like Carly support?

Carly supports banning assault weapons for civilians, raising the minimum age for gun ownership to 21, and implementing mental health and background checks to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

What do the students think about the idea that the shooting could have been prevented?

Students believe it could have been prevented, citing multiple warning signs like police being called to the shooter’s house many times, FBI tips, and the potential effectiveness of gun violence restraining orders.

How have students dealt with having different opinions about gun control while still respecting each other?

Most students respect each other's opinions because they all went through the same horrific event. They understand that everyone is experiencing pain, even if it’s not the same kind of pain, and try to avoid hurting each other further.

Why are some students, like Josh, in favor of allowing teachers to carry guns?

Josh believes that if a teacher is trained and has a history with guns, they should be allowed to carry one, especially if it is concealed. He also believes that having armed security or police in the school can act as a deterrent and stop a shooter.

What is one thing the students feel people are missing about them during this time?

The students feel that people forget they are still grieving and in pain. The constant media presence and public interest can make it difficult for them to heal, as they are still processing what happened.