BY DAIGO SAWANO

In 1999 two school boys fired their guns in their school building in the US. Ten students or so were injured and some students died. It was reported that the students who committed this criminal act belonged a group which was called TCM (Trench Coat Mafia). According to the information, this group was not only dreaded but also teased by other students.

There is a man who has been the focus of this event. His name is Marilyn Manson. How did he come to be so well-known? One reason is because the member of TCM listened to the music of Marilyn Manson, KMFDM and so on. They also liked to play TV games and to watch movies about murders and war.

Marilyn Manson was sued by the victim's families. The reason for this suit is that his music includes expressions criticizing Jesus Christ as well as of violence and murder. From one viewpoint, this maybe considered to be only a difference of opinion on art. This, however, is not the end of the story. It cannot be denied that some people like Marilyn Manson and TCM look for the beauty in death and destruction. In fact, the the words in his music includes extremes. Therefore many people think he is insane, which has resulted in the opinion in America that CDs of artists like Marilyn Manson should not be sold to anyone under eighteen.

In this great tragedy there must be very complex problem in society such as bullying, guns, educational problems and differences in thought. This means that music like Marilyn Manson is only part of it. Regarding music and TV games, the most serious problems are observed in those who play TV games, listen to music, or watch movies all day long, They do not try to communicate with other people. Now an increasing number of boys and girls spend all day playing TV games without going out with their friends. It does not matter what kind music they listen to or what kind of TV games they play. The crux of the matter is that they tend to withdraw into themselves by doing so.

It may take a long time for the problem to be discussed enough and for the trial to started and for the sentence to be handed down. In time, however, through this discussion , we will realize whether or not this kind of music is really bad for the human mind or whether it is only one part of many problems in society.