A week following the shooting massacre that took place in Aurora, CO on July 20th at the midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises, America continues to mourn the victims and sympathize with the many families affected by this tragedy.
The controversy that now exists, possibly similar to 9/11, is the question of if this incident will forever change peoples’ feelings about going to see a movie? Will what was once one of America’s favorite past-times now instill anxiety and fear in people?
Some might argue that it’s ridiculous to be nervous, that the odds of this heinous crime being reenacted are slim to none and this is nothing like the events of 9/11, but I am one of the individuals that will always think of James Holmes and what he did, every time I step foot into a movie theater. It will be difficult not to feel vulnerable or trapped in a pitch-black movie theater, surrounded by people with only two exits. Statistics show that people will be more cautious and less likely to go see a movie alone, but will not let the Colorado Movie Massacre stop them from indulging in an activity they love.
Although there are still many unknowns and questions to be answered, my hope is that all of the victim’s and their families find peace during this time, and that we can one day return to feeling safe in the comfort of our movie theaters.