In this day and time we can never be too careful. In the past year we have had four mass shootings and countless violent civilian attacks. As a result, we have been forced to be over-cautious and suspicious of everything and everyone. Since the Sandy Hook shooting we have been afraid to send our children, cousins, brothers, and sisters to school and this is a sad realization. However, an emerging company called ProTecht has created an innovative blanket that might save children and adults everywhere.
According to their website, The Bodyguard Blanket is designed to be bullet proof. It is made of the same material that is used in some of the military’s most protective and high-tech gear and is fairly lightweight. Right now it comes in orange and is beginning to be used in elementary schools around the nation.
The company has this to say about the validity of their product:
"After extensive research, it is estimated that Bodyguard Blanket provides bullet resistant protection against 90% of all weapons that have been used in school shootings all over the United States.”
This is all well and good but how practical is this? Realistically, I can’t imagine a teacher in a dangerous situation being able to get out 20+ blankets and get all the children covered in time. While the idea seems like a good intention, its execution is a little spotty. Besides it’s execution, these blankets are not cheap. Blankets range from $1,000-2,000 per person depending on the size of the person which is ridiculous. US military certified or not that is way too much money for a contraption that resembles a kindergarten nap time mat. I can’t imagine that many schools will use this or have the money to fund buying these in large quantities.
While I am relieved that citizens of the US have the opportunity to defend themselves. I can’t believe that it has come to this. Where we have to always be ready for the next strike. It shouldn’t be this way. And I am not sure who is to blame? Regardless of who started it or the reasoning behind it, our children should not be afraid. They shouldn’t have to wonder if today will be their last morning or worry that they didn’t say goodbye to a relative and will never see them again. My younger family members shouldn’t have to have so many drills and be traumatized when there is suspicious activity.
That being said, we need to try harder and be better about who we are letting into our schools, workplaces, etc. and while I understand that this may not happen for a while I think ideas like the Bodyguard Blanket ought to be considered.
