DESENSITIZED Growing indifference amid numerous terror attacks
BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD
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oud cheering faded into panicked screams of terror as a gunman opened fire on concert goers at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas, leaving 58 dead and 515 injured. Only a month later, another gunman shot and killed 26 churchgoers in a small rural Texas town before fleeing. While some had not even recovered from the emotional impact of the Las Vegas shooting, another act of terror occurring soon after shook the U.S., caused fear to spread through the country. The shootings at Las Vegas and Texas are only a few of the increasingly prevalent terrorist attacks that have occurred in the U.S. As a result of such acts of terror, many have begun to question the ability of the U.S. government to truly ensure their citizens’ security. On the other hand, others, especially post-millennials, seem to have expressed indifference due to the relative prevalence of these deadly events. Perpetual coverage of terror attacks and related organizations including ISIS has led to the sensationalization of the topic; biased news outlets only
Violence sparks at Great America BY PATRICIA WEI
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t was midnight at Great America’s Halloween Haunt on Saturday, Oct. 28. As seniors Ashley Kim, Chloe Kim and Evalina Xu were preparing to exit the amusement park, they saw helicopters with searchlights hovering over them. A crowd of people was running, trying to disperse. Two large police cars stood at the park’s entrance. Theft and violence had broken out among teenagers. The Santa Clara Police Department arrested a mother for using a stun gun on a minor, a minor for suspicions of theft and another person for public intoxication. “There were so many policemen outside the gates,” said Chloe. “It was worrying and pretty scary. It was like a scene from a movie.” Great America’s Halloween Haunt, promoted as “The Fright of Your Life,” drew more than 20,000 visitors over the course of one month to tour the amusement park’s attractions such as mazes, live shows, haunted houses and roller coasters. Fights among teens reportedly occurred because of a dispute in one of the long lines at the park. The violence eventually escalated as bystanders used their phones to film the fights, leading to the theft of several phones. Some visitors used stun guns to taze people in the crowd. Reports on social media during the time reflected that at first, people thought the incident was part of the show, until employees told them to evacuate. Security guards were present, but the groups of teens outnumbered them. Many teens in the crowd who were not involved in the fights were also punched. A 44-year-old woman was arrested for using a stun gun against a minor who assaulted her child. This violence is unprecedented for Santa Clara County’s biggest amusement park, which holds high security standards. Every visitor is required to check-in their bag with security guards before entering the amusement park, and police are investigating how tasers were brought beyond Great America’s checkpoints. “I have been going to the Halloween Haunt for several years, and this is the first time anything like this has happened,” said Ashley. Park attendees such as Xu have wondered how the tasers were let into the park, past security check. “Although events like this rarely happen, this does make you question the amusement park’s security,” said Xu. “I would still feel comfortable attending the Halloween Haunt again, but I find it strange how security did not see the tasers even when they checked everyone’s bags.” The events that occurred did not affect Great America’s hours or dates for the Halloween Haunt, which ended on Oct. 29 as planned. According to a statement made by Great America, they assured that the safety of their guests was their top priority in addressing the incident, and that security will be increased for the Halloween Haunt in 2018.
add to the panic of people who look toward these sources for information. This spread of misinformation can result in the stereotyping of certain demographics as dangerous terrorists, while others are humanized by these same sources. Additionally, increased reporting on ISIS and other terrorist group’s actions not only spreads fear throughout the public, but can also encourage violence on behalf of potential perpetrators. Regardless of how people respond, an act of terror will inevitably leave a large impact on the nation. The aftermath of such acts extend for months, often resulting in microaggressions due to a negative perspective of certain groups. Despite the U.S.’s reputation of guaranteeing freedom and safety for all citizens, unfortunately, such effects are still common, especially after an act of terror. This issue, the Epic delves deeper into the psychological impacts and reasoning behind the fear, and more recently indifference, surrounding acts of terror, and how the media has played a role in public attitudes toward these issues.
BALE: TEACHER AND COACH // pg.14
see TERROR page 8
ART ILLUSTRATION BY CHLOE LEE
ASHLEY SONG — EPIC