We’ve now had so many mass shootings that entrepreneurs see space in the market for a bulletproof blanket, made specifically to shield small children from gunfire.
The Bodyguard Blanket, made by a company called ProTecht, is a bulletproof 5/16-inch pad, made from the same materials used by our military, except it’s for kids. They even come in different sizes.
Bodyguard Blanket
The product came on the scene in June 2014. Since then, roughly 18 months ago, we’ve seen many more mass shootings, including the most recent in San Bernardino, California, where 14 people were killed and at least 17 others were injured.
If mass shootings weren’t such an integrated part of our culture, you’d think The Bodyguard Blanket was an SNL skit or an Onion article. Kids are being gunned down in their 1st grade classrooms, but what can we do? No we’re not talking about gun laws, just arm your children with these bulletproof shields!
Bodyguard Blanket
Here are some facts about the blanket, according to the company’s website. These are all direct quotes:
- It is made of the same materials our U.S. soldiers wear while in battle, and is equal to or exceeds the protection used by our police departments.
- 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 in the United States.
- Bodyguard blanket can be easily fastened around a child or adult, and is amazingly lightweight.
- When seconds count, Bodyguard blanket can provide a quick, simple solution for maximum protection against a school intruder.
But it’s not just for schools! “Bodyguard blanket can provide protection when used properly in many settings. These include, home, highway (cars and trucks), workplace, shopping center, amusement park, sporting event or any other location where people reside,” the site reads.
It’s important to note ProTecht isn’t condoning gun violence — they write that as gun law debates continue in Washington, our kids continue to be in danger everyday, thus the creation of the Bodyguard Blanket.
Bodyguard Blanket
It’s another sign we’ve become so desensitized to gun violence in our country. Weexpect shootings to happen. For awhile after Sandy Hook, hearing about shootings and their fatalities is now a matter of measuring it against the grisly murder of twenty 6-year-olds and their teachers. “At least this one wasn’t as bad as Newtown.”
Now as we near the third anniversary of that tragic day in Connecticut, the news is flooded with stories and details of what happened earlier this week in California.
That shouldn’t be our standard. We shouldn’t be used to it.
When our energy and creativity is being channeled in a way to create bulletproof nap mats for tiny children in their elementary school classrooms because it’s a product every child could use, it’s a sign that we’ve given up.