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Post by M. Hawbaker on Aug 7, 2019 17:03:58 GMT
Recent mass shootings have prompted a spike in orders for bullet-resistant backpacks, according to sellers of such gear. The Houston-based maker of Tuffypacks reported a 200% sales spike over the past weekend for $129 bulletproof inserts for children's backpacks. The bullet-resistant products are often billed as "bulletproof" yet won't necessarily work against heavy ammunition; still, they would increase the odds of survival, another maker of the backpacks said. The backpacks are available at mainstream retailers, including Office Depot, OfficeMax, Kmart and Walmart.
www.cbsnews.com/news/bullet-resistant-backbacks-touted-as-bulletproof-marketed-to-back-to-school-shoppers/ |
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Post by barb43 on Aug 7, 2019 22:29:56 GMT
Okay, I'll agree - if parents buy these backpacks, like crazy people, and even one child's life is saved as a result of carrying one, then I would say it is worth marketing them to parents of school-aged children. Having said that, I have to add that for me, personally, I think this is an extreme knee-jerk reaction.
This photo is an illustration in this article and it left me cracking up. The article states this item will open up and serve as a covering. Again, if it works, it's worth it. For me - and I'd teach my children this - getting away from the gunman before they get to your area is a much better idea; and/or hiding inside or behind something sturdy is the next best idea. Locking your classroom door & turning out the lights while being totally silent has worked pretty well for people too.
Do you consider this staged photo an effective marketing tool? I surely do not.
Here in the local area, the public school system has declared clear plastic backpacks will be the backpack to carry for 2019-2020.
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Post by M. Hawbaker on Aug 7, 2019 22:44:24 GMT
Around here, most schools require that backpacks and book bags be left in the students locker during class times. those schools that do allow students to keep their packs and bags with them only allow clear plastic ones so these bullet resistant packs would not be allowed.
While I do agree in principle that it would be worth it if even one life could be saved, I fear that these packs could lead to kids having a false sense of security that could result in them taking unnecessary risks because they think they are bullet proof.
As for that photo, the boy's forehead, abdomen, and legs are all unprotected, and in the case of a multi shooter situation he has no protection at all from the back, the side, or from above. Get away or hide are both better options than trying to shield yourself with a backpack that won't even block heavy ammunition of the sort that a truly determined shooter would most likely have.
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