Times sure do change, and this was brought the forefront of my attention (huh?) this weekend by two things: a song and a story. I was on my way back from Richmond and listening to my Dr. Demento tape and the song "The Homecoming Queen's Got a Gun." I've always been amused by this song; it brings to mind my high school's talent show, when a bunch of kids acted it out. And while it's still somewhat amusing, it borders more on disturbing, seeing how school shootings are practically common these days. And while none of the shooters have been popular Homecoming Queen types, that doesn't make the song okay anymore. Which is sad. Because I really liked that song.
The book that also made me think along these lines is Rage by Stephen King (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman). It follows a young man as he shoots a couple of teachers, then takes his Algebra II class hostage. It's really interesting and pretty good (though not King at his best), but still, I keep thinking, "This has happened. Kids bring guns to school." Ruins the illusion.
I rememeber senior year talking to a couple of perspective students and them talking about the security measures at their schools. I think we maybe had a security guard when I was in high school. Ah, back in the good ol' days.
Current song in my head:
"Penny Lane" by the Beatles