A Parkland teacher's homework for us all | Diane Wolk-Rogers

譯者: Lilian Chiu 審譯者: SF Huang

I teach history

我是歷史老師，

at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

在瑪喬裡·斯通曼·道格拉斯中學教書。

On February 14, 2018,

2018 年 2 月 14 日，

my school experienced one of the worst mass school shootings in American history.

我的學校發生了美國史上最嚴重的 大規模校園槍擊事件之一。

People want to know what we saw,

大家想知道我們看見了什麼，

what I felt.

我的感受。

I don't remember everything,

我不記得每一件事，

but I do remember I went into crisis mode,

但我確實記得我啟動了 我的危機模式，

mother mode.

母親模式。

There was no emotion.

我沒有情緒，

I lined up the kids,

我要孩子們排好隊，

I held up a sign so they could follow me through the hall,

我舉著一個牌子， 讓他們跟著我穿越大廳，

just like a fire drill.

就像消防演習一樣。

I heard shots from one direction.

我聽到某個方向傳來槍聲。

Luckily, we were already moving in the opposite direction.

很幸運地，我們正朝反方向移動。

We made it outside.

我們成功地逃到了外面。

We made it to safety.

我們成功到了安全的地方。

I called my mother.

我打電話給我母親。

"I'm OK."

「我沒事。」

I called my husband.

我打電話給我先生。

"I'm OK."

「我沒事。」

Then my daughter called, my voice cracked, and I knew I had to pull myself together.

我女兒打電話來，我的聲音變啞了， 我知道我得振作起來。

I sat alone in my thoughts,

我獨坐在那心裡想著、

worried about my colleagues and students.

擔心著我的同事和學生們。

We sat there, only understanding that somehow, Valentine's Day --

我們坐在那裡，只知道 不知怎麼的，情人節──

We sat there, only understanding that somehow, Valentine's Day

我們坐在那裡，只知道 不知怎麼的，情人節的收場

had ended up with our babies dead,

竟是葬送了我們寶貝們的生命，

and we didn't know what to do next.

我們不知道接下來該怎麼辦。

It's been two months,

已經兩個月了，

and every day I still hear the echoes of the "pop, pop" sound of the gunfire.

每天，我都還會聽到槍聲 「砰，砰」的回音。

I remember the fearful faces of my students

我記得當我們知道那不是演習時，

when we knew it wasn't a drill.

學生臉上驚恐的表情。

Still, there's no constant emotion,

仍然，我沒有持續性的情緒，

except for flashes of pain, grief and anger

除了一陣陣的痛苦、悲慟和憤怒，

triggered by the news,

這些被新聞、

or an insensitive comment,

白目的評論、

or just silence.

或只是沉默而觸發閃現的情緒。

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School lost 17 precious lives

在那恐怖的一天，瑪喬裡· 斯通曼·道格拉斯中學

失去了 17 條寶貴的生命。

on that horrible day.

After, students asked us, the adults

事後，學生問我們大人們

the hardest question:

最困難的問題：

How can we stop the senseless violence?

我們如何能阻止無謂的暴力？

This was the most difficult question I've been asked.

這是我被問過最困難的問題。

But it was not the first time I've been humbled by a student's question.

但那並不是我第一次 無法招架學生的問題。

I've been teaching in the public schools for 33 years,

我在公立學校已經教了 33 年，

so I know you have to admit what you don't know

所以我知道，你得要 先承認你不知道什麼，

before you can share what you do know.

然後你才能分享你所知道的。

In fact, there's a method to being an engaged student,

事實上，有個方法可讓我們 成為一個積極參與的學生、

teacher, citizen.

老師、公民。

First, listen closely to the person asking you a question.

首先，仔細傾聽問你問題的人。

Second, admit your vulnerability. Admit what you don't know.

第二，承認你的弱點。 承認你不知道什麼。

Third, do your homework.

第三，做好你的功課。

Fourth, humbly share your knowledge.

第四，謙遜地分享你的知識。

I know all about this process.

我很清楚這個流程。

My students ask really thoughtful questions all the time.

我的學生總是會問 很深思熟慮的問題。

They're eager to learn,

他們很渴望學習，

and sometimes they're eager to prove their smarts.

有時，他們很渴望證明自己很聰明。

And believe me, they know when I have no idea of the answer,

相信我，他們清楚知道 我是否無法給出答案，

so in those instances, I say to them,

當遇到這個情形時，我會對他們說：

"That's a great question. Let me research that and get back to you."

「那是個好問題。 讓我研究一下再回覆你。」

So when my students asked,

所以，當我的學生問：

"How do we stop this senseless violence?"

「我們如何能阻止無謂的暴力？」

I listened,

我傾聽，

and then I admitted,

接著，我承認：

"I don't know."

「我不知道。」

And like I always do when I don't know the answer to one of my questions,

我就做了平常我不知道 問題的答案時會做的事，

I began doing my homework.

我開始做功課。

And as a history teacher,

身為歷史老師，

I knew I needed to start with the Second Amendment and the NRA.

我知道我得先從憲法第二修正案 和美國全國步槍協會開始著手。

In case it's been a while since you've been sitting in a history class,

給已經很久沒有坐在 歷史課教室裡的人，

here is what the Second Amendment

憲法第二修正案

actually says:

說的是：

"A well regulated Militia,

「紀律良好的民兵部隊

being necessary to the security of a free State,

乃保障自由國家的安全所必需，

the right of the people to keep and bear arms,

故人民持有和攜帶武器的權利

shall not be infringed."

不得予以侵犯。」

Meaning, the federal government could not infringe on the rights of citizens

意思是，聯邦政府無法 侵犯公民的權利，

to participate in well-regulated militias.

公民有權去參與 紀律良好的民兵部隊。

The Second Amendment was ratified 226 years ago.

憲法第二修正案是在 226 年前被批准的。

It was written in a time before the federal government's armed forces

制訂它的時候，聯邦政府的武裝部隊

were among the most powerful in the world

還不在世界最強大部隊之列，

and when state militias were viewed as necessary to protect the states.

那時國家的民兵部隊被視為是 保衛國家所必要的。

Fast-forward 80 years, to 1871.

快轉 80 年到 1871 年。

The American Civil War had ended a few years prior,

美國內戰在前幾年結束了，

but a couple of Union officers

但有幾位北方聯邦的軍官

had witnessed some pretty shoddy marksmanship on the battlefield.

在戰場上目擊了 一些十分拙劣的槍法。

So in an attempt to prepare their men for any future conflicts,

所以，為了要讓他們的手下 能為未來衝突做好準備，

they founded the National Rifle Association

他們成立了美國全國步槍協會 （以下簡稱 NRA）

to promote rifle practice.

來推動步槍射擊練習。

In short, the Second Amendment was written to ensure

簡言之，制訂憲法第二修正案的目的

that our newly formed and fragile country

是要確保我們新成立的脆弱國家

had access to organized state militias.

能夠使用有組織的國家民兵部隊。

And the NRA's original mission was to ensure future soldiers had good aim.

而 NRA 原本的任務是要確保 未來士兵的槍法能更準確。

Someone could teach an entire course

我們可以花一整堂課的時間來談

on how the next 150 years influenced the gun regulation conversations

接下來的 150 年如何 影響我們美國內部

we're having in the United States

槍枝規定的談話，

and our interpretation of the Second Amendment.

以及我們對憲法第二修正案的詮釋。

Almost every pivotal moment in our nation's history

在我們國家歷史上， 幾乎每一個關鍵時刻，

in one way or another

都以某種方式

influenced how we as a people

影響了我們這個民族

manufacture, debate, regulate and feel about guns.

製造、辯論、規範槍枝， 以及對槍枝的感受。

A lot of change has occurred.

很多改變發生了。

As a matter of fact, it wasn't until 2008

事實上，一直到 2008 年，

that the Supreme Court ruled for the first time

最高法庭才第一次裁決

the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm

憲法第二修正案要保護 個人持有槍枝的權利，

unconnected with service in a militia

即使與民兵隊伍服勤無關，

and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes,

以及該槍枝用於 傳統上合法目的的權利，

such as self-defense within the home.

比如在家中的自我防衛。

Within the home.

在家中。

This change over time is striking to me,

這種隨著時間而發生的 改變，讓我很震驚，

because it reminds us

因為它提醒我們，

that the interpretation of the Second Amendment

憲法第二修正案的詮釋

and cultural attitudes about guns

以及關於槍枝的文化態度

have changed over time.

都已隨著時間改變了。

Which gives me hope they could change again.

這讓我感到有希望， 它們還可能再改變。

(Applause)

（掌聲）

It's an incredibly complex and dynamic history lesson,

這是一堂極複雜且動態的歷史課，

but it's not the lesson I'm here to teach today,

但我今天來這裡並不是要教這堂課，

because we don't have time.

因為我們沒有時間。

I'm not talking about time,

我並不是意指

the time that I have here to stand and speak.

我站在這裡演說的時間。

I'm talking about the fact we don't have time to lose.

我的意思是，我們實際上 真的不能再浪費時間了。

According to the CDC,

根據美國疾病管制與預防中心的資訊，

over the last five years,

在過去五年間，

on average, each day 96 people are killed by guns in the United States,

在美國，平均每天有 96 人遭到槍殺，

and if we don't figure out how to answer my students' question soon,

如果我們不盡快去思考 要如何回答我學生提出的問題，

one of us could be next.

我們當中就有人會是下一個受害者。

So, if the question is, how do we stop this senseless violence,

所以，如果問題是： 我們如何能阻止無謂的暴力？

the best way I can think to answer

我能想出最好的回答方式，

is to look at multiple choice.

就是去探討不同的選項。

You remember multiple-choice questions in high school, don't you?

各位還記得高中時做的選擇題吧？

Let's start.

我們開始吧。

Choice A: this will end when we hold gun manufacturers responsible

選項 Ａ：如果我們要求 槍枝製造商為它們的產品

所造成的致命結果負責， 這情況就會終止。

for the deadliness of their products.

It might surprise you to learn that we've actually thought about this before.

各位如果知道我們以前的確想過 這個點子，可能會覺得很驚訝。

Between 1998 and 2000,

在 1998 年到 2000 年間，

30 counties and cities sued gun manufacturers,

有 30 個郡和城市控告槍枝製造商，

saying they should make their products safer

認為它們應該要讓產品更安全，

and do a better job of tracking where their products are sold.

對售出產品的流向做出更好的管控。

In response, manufacturers argued

製造商的回應是主張

that they had no direct liability for how their products were used.

它們對產品應如何被使用， 沒有直接負責的義務。

They said the stores who sold the guns and the owners who bought them

它們說，銷售槍枝的店家 以及購買槍枝的持有人

were responsible should anything bad happen.

要為任何發生的悲劇負責。

In response to this and many other lawsuits,

美國全國步槍協會對此 以及許多其他訴訟的回應，

the NRA lobbied for the passage of the PLCAA,

是去遊說通過 PLCAA，

the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.

即合法槍械買賣保護法。

The PLCAA passed with bipartisan support in 2005

在 2005 年，PLCAA 在兩黨的支持下通過了，

and entrusts gun manufacturers

它相信槍枝製造商

to design guns safely,

會用安全的方式來設計槍枝，

stores to sell those guns responsibly

店家會具責任感地銷售槍枝

and someone to own and use the gun responsibly.

且槍枝的持有和使用人 會秉持著負責的態度。

And so when 17 students and faculty die at my school,

所以，當我的學校有 17 名 學生和教職員喪命時，

no one in this chain will assume responsibility.

在這條連鎖鏈中， 沒有人會承擔起責任。

Let's take a look at another option,

我們再來看另一個選項。

Choice B:

選項 Ｂ：

this will end when we hold ourselves accountable

這情況將會終止， 只要我們能自己負責

and regulate the estimated 300 million guns available in America.

並管制在美國市面流通的 約三億把槍枝。

Yes, voting is one of the best ways

是的，為槍枝暴力負起個人責任， 投票是最好的方式之一。

to take personal responsibility for gun violence.

Making sure that our lawmakers are willing to pass commonsense gun reform

確保我們的立法者 願意通過常識性的槍枝改革，

is one of the most effective ways to get those 300 million guns under control.

就是管制三億把槍枝 最有效的方式之一。

And also, gun owners can take personal initiative.

此外，槍枝持有者能具自主決斷力，

If you own a gun,

如果你持有一把槍，

ask yourself:

問問你自己：

Do I have an extra gun I don't need?

我是否有多一把不必要的槍？

Could it fall into the wrong hands?

有沒有可能落入非法使用者手中？

Have I attended the latest training?

我有沒有去參加最近的訓練？

Perhaps as a gun owner,

也許，身為槍枝持有者，

you should also ask

你也應該要問

whether you have been taking care of your mental health?

你有沒有好好照顧你的心理健康？

When it comes to gun violence, the mental health argument falls flat

談到槍枝暴力時， 如果我們不承認自己

if we don't acknowledge our own personal vulnerabilities

在面對心理疾病時的脆弱， 那麼心理健康論點

to mental illness.

就會徹底失敗。

One in six Americans will struggle with mental illness.

六個美國人中就有一個 為心理疾病所苦。

If we own a gun, we should be rigorously engaged in the upkeep

如果我們持有槍枝， 我們應該要嚴格做到

of our emotional well-being

維護我們的情緒健康，

so we don't pull a trigger

這樣我們才不會 在發病的時候扣下扳機。

in times of illness.

Otherwise, we should seriously ask ourselves

否則，我們應該認真問問自己，

whether we really have the time and attention to own a gun.

我們是否真的有足夠的時間 和心力去持有一把槍？

Perhaps for some of us

也許，對我們一些人而言，

it's time to lay down our arms.

該是卸下武裝的時候了。

Then we have Choice C:

接著，我們還有選項 Ｃ：

this will end when we do a better job of taking care of each other.

當我們能把彼此照顧得更好時， 這情況就會終止。

Many social issues affect why people buy and use guns.

有許多社會議題會影響到 大家為什麼要購買和使用槍枝。

Sixty-two percent of US gun fatalities

2012 年到 2016 年間，

between 2012 and 2016 were suicides,

62% 的槍枝死亡事故都是自殺，

yet we call people maniacs and psychos, shaming them.

但，我們卻說別人是瘋子、 神經病並引以為恥。

We are creating barriers for people that need help.

我們對於需要協助的人， 築起了高牆。

Why are we embarrassing each other?

我們為什麼要為難彼此呢？

Let's make it easier, not harder,

要讓大家更容易、而非更困難地

for people to access better mental health care.

去獲取更好的心理健康照護。

What else? Sexism, racism and poverty affect gun ownership

還有什麼？性別偏見、種族歧視和 貧窮，都會影響到擁槍者的屬性

and gun-related fatalities.

以及相關的槍擊死亡事故。

On average, it's estimated that 50 women were fatally shot each month

在 2010 年到 2014 年， 平均來說，估計每個月

between 2010 and 2014

有 50 位女性受到致命槍擊，

due to domestic violence,

原因都是家庭暴力，

and women are still dying in their homes.

女性仍然會在她們的家中喪命。

Let's empower women

我們賦權給女性吧，

and give our young boys a chance to learn

也給我們的年輕男孩一個機會

how to work out their conflicts and emotions with words, not weapons.

去學習如何用語言文字，而非槍枝， 來處理他們的衝突和情緒。

And the "Washington Post" reported that last year,

根據華盛頓郵報報導，

nearly 1,000 people were fatally wounded

去年有接近一千人

受到執勤警察的致命傷害。

by on-duty police officers.

Talk to Black Lives Matter and the police union about that.

跟「黑人的命也是命」及 警察公會談談這件事。

We need to tackle this.

我們得要處理這個問題。

(Applause)

（掌聲）

At the end of the day,

到頭來，

perhaps people won't feel the need

也許大家將覺得不再需要

to buy and use a gun

購買和使用槍枝，

when they all equally feel safe,

當他們都能彼此感受到安全、

healthy, respected and cared for.

健康、受尊重和被照顧。

All right, discussion time is over.

好，討論時間結束。

It's now time to answer the question.

該是回答問題的時候了。

How do we stop this senseless violence?

我們如何能阻止無謂的暴力？

Is it Choice A,

是選項 Ａ 嗎？

Choice B,

選項 Ｂ？

Choice C?

選項 Ｃ？

Now, I know what you're all thinking.

我知道各位在想什麼。

You remember that multiple-choice questions

你們記得，選擇題幾乎

almost never end with just three possibilities.

從來都不是只有三個可能性。

There's always that fourth, Choice D: all of the above.

總是會有第四個選項 Ｄ：以上皆是。

Maybe that's the answer here.

也許那就是這題的答案。

Or maybe "all of the above" is too easy, and this is not an easy problem.

或許「以上皆是」太簡單了， 而這個問題並不是個簡單的問題。

It requires deep analytical thinking by all of us.

它需要我們所有人 都做深入的分析性思考。

So instead, I'm asking you to do your homework,

所以，我要請各位去做你們的功課，

write your own Choice D

用可佐證的細節，

寫下你們自己的選項 Ｄ。

using supporting detail.

And if you're not sure where to start, look to my students as role models.

如果你們不知道從何開始， 把我的學生當作典範。

They are armed with incredible communication skills

他們具有很棒的溝通技能，

and a sense of citizenship that I find so inspiring.

還有公民意識， 我覺得非常鼓舞人心。

(Applause)

（掌聲）

These are public school kids engaged in the issue of gun regulation,

這些是公立學校的孩子 在參與槍枝管制的議題，

and their endeavor has moved our hearts.

他們的努力感動了我們。

And they shouldn't have to do this on their own.

他們不應該獨自做這件事的。

They're asking you,

他們在邀請各位，

they're asking all of us,

他們邀請我們所有的人，

to get involved.

一起參與，

This isn't a spectator sport.

這並不是吸引大量觀眾的體育運動。

So what's the right answer?

所以，正確的答案是什麼？

I don't know. Listen, I'm no gun control expert.

我不知道。聽著， 我不是槍枝控制專家。

I teach the humanities.

我教人文科學。

To be human is to learn,

做人就是要學習，

and to be part of a civilization is to share your knowledge.

要成為文明的一部分， 就是要分享你的知識。

This kind of honest, brave and sincere engagement

這種誠實、勇敢和真誠的投入，

is what I ask of my students,

是我希望我學生做到的，

what I expect of myself as a teacher

我期望我這個老師能做到的，

and what I demand of you now.

以及我現在請求各位做到的。

Every one of you needs to do your homework.

在座每個人都需要做自己的功課。

And then what?

接下來呢？

Humbly share your knowledge with each other.

謙遜地分享彼此的知識。

Please teach your family,

請教導你的家人，

teach your community,

教導你的社區、

your city council, your state legislature.

你的市議會、你的州立法機關。

Teach Congress a lesson.

教導國會一堂課。

Thank you.

謝謝。

(Applause)

（掌聲）

Thank you. Thank you.

謝謝。謝謝。

(Applause)

（掌聲）