With the recent surge in mass shootings in the both the United States and overseas locations such as Paris, Munich, and Istanbul, and the fact this is an election year, the debate over gun control seems to have resurfaced. There does not seem to be any middle ground when it comes to gun control. Americans either strongly support the second Amendment right to bear arms, or they want guns banned. There are many viable reasons for banning firearms in the United States. Some of the strongest reasons for gun control are the disrespect for authority; they encourage gang warfare, and they subject minors to violence.
The Second Amendment no Longer Applies
The second amendment “right to bear arms” existed when the United States was lawless and lacked law enforcement. Citizens had no choice but to use guns to protect themselves, their family and their property with firearms. In modern society, gun owners are disrespectful of authority and often take the law into their own hands to solve disputes whether it be with a neighbor, work colleague or as an act of revenge. Ultimately guns reduce people’s dependence of local and federal law enforcement. Recent events in the States have clearly demonstrated this lack of authority with the assassination of several police officers in different states. Complete anarchy occurred in Dallas, Texas on July 7, 2016, when five police officers were gunned down for simply doing their job. According to the New York Times, “The suspect stated he wanted to kill white people, especially white officers” (Fernandez, Perez-Pena, Bromwich, 2016). This lack of respect for authority has been an ongoing issue for many years. David Kopel states in a report that, the November 1995 Cops Under Fire Study “claims that 13% of police officers killed from January 1994 through September 1995 were shot with assault weapons” (Kopel, 2014). This study led to the attempt to ban assault weapons, but the definition of an assault weapon was unclear, and the prohibition was unsuccessful. Banning the sale of guns to the general public will reinstate police authority and help to establish order.
Gangs and Guns
It is often said that America doesn’t have a gun problem, but instead it has a gang problem. Gang warfare in inner cities in the United States is a growing issue. Most gun crimes in the States are committed by geographically restricted inner city gangs and drug dealers who have access to illegal guns and who do not go through the appropriate channels for purchasing weapons. The murder rate from guns in the United States isn’t the work of sporting enthusiasts who live in suburban neighborhoods. It is the gangs embedded in urban cities, mostly African American males between the ages of 18 and 39 killing other males of the same age. The FBI’s 2011 National Gang Assessment report highlights how gangs contribute to violence and how firearms are used in most gang-related homicides. The report goes on to state the level of sophistication of gangs and how they recruit active duty military members who have combat knowledge and access to weapons and ammunition. Gang association with Central American drug lords, participation in crimes such as human trafficking and recruitment techniques should encourage authorities to deny access of firearms to gang members. Women and children are innocent victims in the turf and drug wars that take place when the violence peaks, as well as unwilling participants in many gang related activities. Matt MacBraidiagh with Policy. Mic writes, “results are probably not likely to rapidly occur” (MacBraidiagh, 2013). However, if guns were banned many more inner-city lives would be saved.
TV Gun Violence
American children and teenagers are constantly being subjected to gun violence in popular culture on television, movies and video games, the news and possibly in real life. This exposure desensitizes children to the realities and horrors of what these weapons can do. Vice-President Joe Biden chaired a committee addressing gun violence in America, and the effect pop culture has on gun ownership. Video games like Call of Duty are popular due to their violence with firearms and many popular sitcoms and music reference guns. Some of the most popular movies are gun based because firearms are a significant part of American culture and the way of life. The use of guns in popular culture definitely needs to be addressed if guns are going to be banned in America.
Conclusion
In an election year, the debate over gun control may impact whom America elects as the next President. Many Americans believe strongly in the second amendment although it was intended for an earlier lawless society. However, given the recent global mass shootings and the domestic violence against law enforcement, it appears America is lawless once again with very little respect for order and authority. There are many areas that need to be addressed before guns can be banned in America such as how to remove them from popular culture and how to control the number of gang members with firearms. In this age of technology, children are learning about guns at a much younger age because of violent television shows, movies, and video games. Games such as the Grand Theft Auto series are teaching violence with guns and not how to use them in a safe and secure way. Movies such as the Terminator make guns look cool, and not like the dangerous weapons they have the potential to be. American culture overlooks gun violence because it is able to turn a nice profit, but the cost is that civilians have grown accustomed to the gun violence and believe they should hold onto their guns because others have them. The United States has had guns since its creation to protect against corruption of the government, but in modern times it is unnecessary to rebel against the government because of the stability it provides. Guns are no longer a necessity in America. It is time for America to accept the modern world and allow those with the proper qualifications to protect them.
References
Are so-called "Assault Weapons" a Threat to Police Officers? (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2016, from http://davekopel.org/2A/OpEds/Are_Assault_Weapons_a_Threat_to_Police.htm
Fernandez, M., PÉrez-peÑa, R., & Bromwich, J. E. (2016). Five Dallas Officers Were Killed as Payback, Police Chief Says. Retrieved July 22, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/09/us/dallas-police-shooting.html?_r=0
MacBradaigh, M. (2013). Gun Control Debate: Gang Violence Accounts For Half Of Violent Crime in America. Retrieved July 22, 2016, from https://mic.com/articles/27281/gun-control-debate-gang-violence-accounts-for-half-of-violent-crime-in-america#.RkyTTE547
