There is much to grieve in the article regarding the sentencing of 16-year-old Kikarson Asan for shooting at two teens outside Evergreen High School in October (“16-year-old pleads guilty in Evergreen High School shooting, sentenced to 93 months,” The Columbian, Feb. 2).
I find myself pondering, at this time in history, the mindset of any young person regarding options when solving a problem, protecting oneself or seeking justice. I would imagine that coming of age in Ukraine or Palestine would create certain sets of norms.
Maybe coming of age in a culture saturated with entertainment focused on guns and explosives to keep plots moving could lead young people to believe that deadly violence is a legitimate course of action when frustration or threats arise?
I also have to wonder how this 16-year-old was able to obtain a lethal weapon and ammunition. The article stated that Asan had reason to believe another person involved in the shooting was armed as well.
Further, what were the consequences for the several individuals who were filmed assaulting Asan before the shooting?
