The Columbine High School Massacre

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that a number of theories regarding the motives of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, the killers in the Columbine High School massacre, have been offered since the shootings. The author points out that many people argue that both Klebold and Harris felt isolated from the rest of their classmates; however, this theory seems to have been debunked. The paper relates that, nonetheless, in reaction to Columbine, schools throughout the country enacted programs designed to expose and prevent bullying in the classroom. The author suggests that another theory is the boys' attraction to violent video games and movies. The paper states that the only things society can do to prevent violence is to pay close attention to warning signs, increase security and to be cautious especially, as in this case, if there is abnormal behavior.

Table of Contents:
Setting
Aftermath
Our Stance

From the Paper:

"At 11:14am, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold carried two propane bombs into the school cafeteria concealed in duffle bags. Luckily, these bombs failed to detonate, possibly preventing hundreds of further casualties. Five minutes later, Harris and Klebold began their shooting spree from the top of the stairs leading into the west side of the school. At 11:23am, the first 911 call is made coming from the school. Two minutes after the call, the first police car arrives on scene at the high school. A pipe bomb (much smaller than the malfunctioned propane bombs) explodes in the cafeteria at 11:27am creating smoke and scattering students."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Columbine High School Massacre. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 1999. April 19, 2006. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbine_High_School_Massacre>
• "Columbine Timeline". Rocky Mountain News. 14 May 2000. <http://www.denver-rmn.com/shooting/0514time2.shtml>
• Cullen, Dave. "The Depressive and the Psychopath". Slate Magazine. 20 April 2004.
• "World:Americas Columbine Killers Planned to Kill 500". BBC News. 27 April 1999.<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/329303.stm>

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