Why Are Guns Part of Everyday Life in America?

Essay task:

Write a Causal Analysis essay

Why Are Guns Part of Everyday Life in America?

Being European, you think of American first and foremost when the issue of gun control comes up in the continued growth of the Western World. Living in the US, you see first-hand what the perception is based on. Gun culture in America is so uniquely polarizing, in debate both with friends/colleagues or in media which begs the question: Why are guns so normalized in America and how does this affect us daily?

     There are TV shows that sell guns late at night, providing completely customizable guns, right down to colors and size. They have video games and hit televisions shows where gun violence is not only common but glorified in the way it is presented. For over 200 years, the Second Amendment has given American Citizens the right to “bear arms” by owning many types of guns (small hand guns - assault rifles). Historically, the American need for self-defense was expected due to the constant threat facing them from a declining relationship with the soon to be ex-English colonies. The average fire rate per minute for a musket of the Colonial times was 3 shots per minute, whereas the average fire rate for an AK-47 is 600 rounds per minute. Knowing that the founding fathers knew only of the musket, how would they feel about drafting the amendment if the weapons of today existed then?

      We get many of our viewpoints and information through media, social media, internet, etc. For example, we are able to see many videos showing us both good instances of gun ownership and bad. Crime is a big factor into gun violence. Cities like Chicago have the highest gun crime rate committed. Many have called upon President Obama to do more and the presidential nominees from both major parties feel the pressure as well. Those who follow the major news outlets know about the continuous tragedies that occur in cities like Aurora, CO, Orlando, FL and Dallas, TX. The largest argument seems to be, “The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun” – the logic behind it being focused on adding more guns to the equation. There have been major commentaries and debates on whether “Gun Free Zones” in schools are inviting rogue gunmen to walk into these zones “locked and loaded”.

     Even without the help of crime, accidental shootings statistics have risen over the last years as well. Many gun owners in America, due to the relaxed laws, are owning multiple firearms without the proper training or understanding to store them safely and properly. According to the Washington Post, at least 265 people were shot by children (2015). Many have argued the comprehensive gun laws are the only way to go, while many pro-gun advocates wish to rely on gun education to prevent such matters. Both sides believe the other’s logic is the culprit.