Going to the movies, attending a concert or taking a trip to the mall are pastimes that we as Americans enjoy freely, but how safe are we really as we go on with our day to day lives? Over the past couple of years, these types of events which are supposed to be enjoyable, are now bringing worry and concern to those who attend them.

    The root of this problem has stemmed from the recent tragedies which have taken the lives of many innocent people. Events such as the Boston bombings, Aurora movie theater shootings, and more recently, the Washington naval yard shootings have changed the mindset of many when it comes to public gatherings.

    Though this heightened awareness has been instilled in the minds of Americans, it is shown and felt across the world as well. Several gunmen invaded the Westgate mall in Nairobi, Kenya on September 21, 2013, killing 39 and injuring at least 150 innocent mall-goers. The mall, a place to hangout with friends and buy new merchandise, was quickly turned into a nightmare.

    You don’t have to be patted down or pass a security checkpoint to enter a mall or any other public place for that matter. Anyone can walk freely in and out of a mall or public vicinity for the most part which means that you never really know how safe you are when going out. You are only as safe as the people around you. With such uncertainty of how safe you truly are, it is important to keep a cautious eye.

    Spanish teacher Ms. Olander said, “I feel like there are areas that are kind of a bubble, like you always feel safe. Life’s just too unexpected to think you’re safe everywhere you go.”

    Locally, there is a direct correlation with the amount of security present in the Boston area now because of the recent bombing attacks. At sporting events and other public gatherings, a heightened police force is now more common. These precautions are being taken because these types of attacks on innocent people are unfortunately becoming more common in our society today.

    A clear example of these new types of security measures set in place is the NFL’s new bag policy which prohibits any type of large bag from entering the stadium. Fans are only allowed to bring clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags. The items prohibited include coolers, briefcases, backpacks, computer bags, etc.

    Aaron Alexis entered the headquarters of the Naval Sea Systems Command inside of the Washington Navy Yard in Southeast Washington D.C. on September 16th, 2013. Alexis was armed with a shotgun and shot twelve people and injured three others. The Washington Navy Yard is not a place where anyone can walk around freely but it is a workplace for many, and is just another case of the how in this day and age you can never be one hundred percent certain that you are protected and safe.

    Freshman Sam Hassett said, “People are now more aware of what’s around them.”

    Having fear get in the way of enjoying a day out or attending an event is not a healthy way of living but it is extremely important to be more aware of your surroundings when in a large group of people. In America and other parts of the world, the everyday safety of citizens is becoming an extreme issue. When attending public events now it is important to be aware of any suspicious looking items or people in order to ensure your own safety and the safety of those around you.