Teleconference panelists also talked about the need for better communication and interaction within schools and communities. Rev. Arthur Cribbs, executive director of the Office of Communications, United Church of Christ, moderated the teleconference. D.C. Cribbs said the United States is a country that has violent heroes and highly values its freedoms, including free speech and the right to bear arms. Of particular interest to panelists was the reason why many of the violent acts occur at the hands of young men. Historically in our country, we have seen the male as the aggressor.
Boys receive less affection than girls do.
Eaglin said that children create their own rites of passage when there are not any in place. As for young women, they often turn on themselves in violent ways. Wilke said that can be via destructive behaviors such as eating disorders or suicide. But the trend is that more young women are becoming aggressive toward others. Riley said there is more aggressive behavior portrayed in the media.