In eighth grade, I did a History Day (this dorky contest for dorky kiddies like me) project on The Kent State Massacre *edit* with Christie and good ol' sausage arm. For those who are unfamiliar with it.. On May 4, 1970, students of KSU protested the Vietnam War. The protests were getting out of hand a few days ago and even though they had become peaceful, the National Guard came to control the students. However, they recklessly used force against freedom of speech. Teargas was thrown, people attacked, basically.. chaos. The National Guard decided to open fire on the protesters killing four and injuring nine. Some who were just walking to class.To be so sickeningly cliche: a picture is worth a thousand words. I went up to the campus on this date a few years ago. I wish I was older, I probably would have appreciated it more. But I do remember that it was just amazing. A bunch of people wanting peace and wanting to prevent the inevitable line: 'history repeats itself.' --- Oh, the irony! Heh ohhhhh----h! Here goes: Yesterday, I'm sitting in the cafeteria minding my own business. I was doing good, until I witnessed something that would have been nearly impossible for me not to get involved with. A boy, whom i know and has social problems, walks by a table of girls-- he was keeping to himself, regardless if he hasnt done this in the past-- this girl throws a carton of ice tea at him-- the boys doesn't say a word, just walks away soaking. I get a little on me too. The girl apologizes to me saying she didn't mean to get me wet. I snapped. I asked her why she would do that. Her answer... because she 'hates him.' I'm not sure what the heck possesed me to do this but I expressed to her how I think that is low and how she needs to grow up. There is no excuse for doing something that uncivil. Her reply... a bunch of fuck-you's. So today was convenietly May 4th- the day were people promoting peace get attacked. I see him walk by them again and I see her throw a paper ball at him. She looks right at me afterwards. I sarcastically say, 'That's good. real good' as if to say 'I hope your happy.' I went on with my way. Her and all her friends start glaring at me. Yelling stuff. Shooting spit balls at me? Apparently, the girl was mentioning to people how she wants to fight me or something crazy like that. I tell her to grow up and this is what she does? I don't get it. I really just don't. --- Fighting is also uncivil in my opinion. It can be necessary, but not in this situation. I was sticking up for a kid, what would even make anyone think I'd want to be fight? We are thinking humans, we should know better than to act like animals. I will really never understand this world. I don't regret saying anything. Even if I have to live with these girls saying stuff to me everyday, it is better than knowing that I sat there silent while I saw that. Plus, it's better than them harrasing that boy. See.. I can handle it. I could care less what anyone says. I've always been pretty careless when it comes to other people's views of me. And if they try to do anything to me, I'll pull a Ghandi. All I wish is that behind the 'fuck you's' and fight threats that they've been throwing out at me, that secretely they all know they shouldn't be acting like that. Maybe they'll be bigger people next time they 'hate' someone and just learn to deal with it and ignore it.