Gun violence is a serious problem in the United States, and one of the consequences of the availability of dangerous weapons in the country are school shootings. The 'Sandy Hook Promise,' a non-profit that was created to honor the victims of gun violence, created an ad that encourages viewers to spot the signs that lead up to these violent acts.
The ad appears to be innocent until its very end, revealing a progressing love story between two high school students until the final scene, where a figure can be seen entering the school and getting ready to begin shooting. Upon closer inspection, each scene of the ad reveals the school shooter showing a significant proclivity for gun violence. The point of the ad is to point out the lack of awareness of this pattern that viewers had, and that the ending would not have been a surprise had they been paying attention.
This captivating ad makes viewers think about their role in spotting signs of violence, which may not be as obvious as were shown in the commercial but that often reveal themselves if people are paying attention.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Early Warning Signs Education
- Creating programs that educate people about early warning signs of gun violence
- Mental Health Support
- Providing mental health support for those who may exhibit early warning signs of gun violence
- Community Awareness
- Creating campaigns that raise awareness of the warning signs of gun violence within communities
Where This Applies
- Education
- Opportunity for educational institutions to create programs that teach students, educators, and families about early warning signs of gun violence
- Mental Health
- Opportunity for mental health professionals to provide support for those who may exhibit early warning signs of gun violence
- Non-profit
- Opportunity for non-profits and community organizations to create campaigns that raise awareness of the warning signs of gun violence within communities
