Being protected, feeling secure and away from danger, it’s a basic human right, and we’ve agreed as a society that it’s something that should be protected in many public spaces. Airports, schools, even malls all share the ever presence of security guards, armed with tasers, guns, and just a general sense of authority and order. In reality though, how effective are these measures taken? When have you ever seen a mall cop do anything besides maybe tell a few teenagers to quiet down? How often does airport security actually catch someone with something worse than a bottle of shampoo? The answer to these questions lies in a concept known as security theater, which is where safety precautions such as metal detectors or posted guards are taken but aren’t actually functional in protecting the public from danger. According to an experiment done by federal investigators, the intense security at airports was easily bypassed 95% when attempting to smuggle guns and explosives. This really makes you ask: why do people bother with the whole process, the extra thirty minutes to an hour you spend at airports getting through the tedious processes. It’s not there to protect you, it’s just to preserve a sense of security. Before the 9/11 bombings happened, none of these measures were in place; it’s the following paranoia that caused the introduction of TSA. These security measures weren’t deemed “necessary” until people felt unsafe, and even though they are proven to not really work in ensuring our safety, we retain the whole process just to cling to the feeling that we are protected. This isn’t an isolated incident either; this phenomenon of security theater is observable in pretty much any public space, but especially now, our public schools. With the sharp uptake in school shootings due to mental health issues and easy access to firearms, many security measures are being taken nationwide to ensure the safety of students, but how effective are those even? How are hall passes, and lockouts, and even the school safety officers actually stopping or even slowing a school shooter? We won’t actually know until we experience a shooting ourselves, but we can’t take that risk. We need to stop the theatrics, and begin taking actual steps to secure public safety.
The New Leader in Theater by Carrington Golson
A new year, new students, and new teachers, including the new drama teacher, Mrs. Dwyer. Who is she? What are her intentions? And how will her knowledge bring forth the play Oklahoma? Mrs. Dwyer was hired after Spring Hill's former drama teacher Ms. Bender left to pursue other endeavors. Interviews by multiple individuals throughout the school whether anonymous or public have given great insight into the life of Mrs. Dwyer as Spring Hill’s new drama teacher, and to understand what it takes to be a true thespian. What does it take to be a true thespian? It takes courage, vulnerability, talent, and a great leap of faith. Savannah Bramlett has brought her own personal experience of being a thespian and stepping outside of the box. She expresses, “Yes, it was hard adjusting from Ms. Bender to Mrs. Dwyer. While it may be different, it’s something I enjoy as well.” With the new experience of Mrs. Dwyer, Savannah goes on to express what her new relationship is like with her. “I love the she has put together the show. I have full and utmost respect for Mrs. Dwyer. She has been able to come in and take over with no student relationship is extremely admirable.” There are many things that come with putting on a show, and one of those things is the cast. Mrs. Dwyer has fully expressed more than once that it takes a village to bring on a play. An anonymous individual describes what it’s like working with others and to work with Mrs. Dwyer. “I love working with Mrs. Dwyer. I’ve been opened up to world I never knew existed. Being a part of something is not only an amazing feeling, but it also makes me feel accepted and loved.” Being a part of something that is greater than your own is something that everyone should experience. Thankfully, the cast of Oklahoma get to know what that feels like. Savannah Bramlett has talked about what it means to have a lead role and the responsibilities that come with that. “It’s taught me to break out of my shell of comfort and make decisions I most likely wouldn’t prior to the show. It’s also helped me grow as a person and helped me realize why I love theater as a whole. Theater has helped me grow closer to so many people, expanding my family even further.” Theater has touched so many lives. Mrs. Dwyer is a whole-hearted individual who cares so much about the students and staff at Spring Hill High School.