Riding Shotgun...Literally

Submitted By: Francis Young           

                                                Riding Shotgun...Literally

            Critiquing one’s actions has become a normal part of American society. Everything from parenting to singing to working is analyzed by others. At a young age, we are taught to either learn from criticism or turn the other cheek to it. But, what happens if that person decides to punch you in the face, stab you, or shoot you over the criticism you gave them? This is what happens when people deviate from society and put social normality’s to the side.

            Violence, although not accepted, is not exactly new to American society. Nonetheless, these short tempered outbursts of violence are alarming. Have you ever heard someone say, “Back in my day, two guys would fight, and that would be the end of it?” You probably did. According to the Gallup’s annual crime polls, violent crimes have increased from prior years. Many people are resorting to physical altercations before rational decisions. One prime example of this is “The Philly SEPTA bus shooting.” On June 18^th, 2011 a mother, Penny Chapman, and her son, a toddler, boarded the SEPTA bus in north Philadelphia. After her son started to act up, Penny began to spank him on the bus. A man noticed what was going on and threatened to call child services on the mother. She immediately used her cell phone to call someone about the man who threatened her. As the bus arrived a few stops down, Penny and her son, while getting off the bus, were greeted by her brother Angel Lecourt and a few other people. Accompanying Lecourt were two brothers, Karon and Raheen Patterson. Penny immediately hopped off the bus and pointed out her target. The two brothers, with no regards to the civilians on the bus, began firing in and at the bus.

            Are gun shots being fired on the bus what those passengers expected when they woke up that morning? I hope not! Even the way the news reporters dissected the story showed how astonishing this act was. Most people would just think to flip the guy off or ignore him. She disassociated herself from normal social traits and used the bus as a shooting range. Despicable acts like this aren’t considered acceptable in any society, so heinous crimes like these are signs of social deviation.