The controversy surrounding American gun ownership has been growing more and more intense in recent years, and there’s huge pressure from both sides of the argument. However, Americans just do not want to let go of their guns; here are 17 reasons why.
The Second Amendment
Much of the support for American gun ownership is due to history, with The Second Amendment giving US citizens the ‘right to bear arms,’ as stated by Congress. Thanks to this heritage, many Americans believe that gun ownership is in their national identity.
Distrust in Government
There is also an increasing number of American citizens who own guns because of a historical belief that gun ownership will protect individual freedom from the state. Any attempt at disarmament by the government will, therefore, result in a complete breakdown of trust and a total failure of that government.
Political and Social Identity
The idea of possessing a gun is closely tied to the political ideology of conservatism, so many Republicans feel closer to their party when they own one. Republican leaders have traditionally strongly advocated for gun rights, and as well as that, guns also signify a resistance to liberal government policies.
Personal Safety
As well as straight-up self-defense, gun ownership has increased over the years as a result of fear of a rise in crime and distrust in law enforcement. This often leaves American citizens feeling vulnerable, which can increase their likelihood of taking up arms.
Economic Factors
The manufacture of firearms is a significant component of the US economy. It provides jobs to many rural areas, where munitions are the key source of income for many people. It’s an extremely profitable industry, so you can see why some Americans want that to continue!
Influence of the NRA
CNBC reports that the NRA holds over $50m in assets, and it uses that money to lobby and shape legislation. The NRA is also a major benefactor of the Republican party and contributes heavily to their political campaigns. As a result, it has a huge influence on gun policy decisions and public perspectives.
Regulated Access
Many people in the US don’t believe that gun control would actually bring an end to gun violence. They believe that if people want to get hold of a gun, they’ll be able to do so regardless of the legalities, and therefore, believe that gun control laws would make no difference.
Rural vs. Urban Perspectives
There are many differences between the views of urban and rural American citizens surrounding gun control. Those in rural areas are more likely to back gun ownership due to the prevalence of hunting. However, those in metropolitan areas are more likely to be witnesses to the unsafe nature of firearms.
Historical Misuse of Gun Control
Around the world, there have been a number of historical incidents where governments disarmed populations before committing atrocities. Gun control measures have been used by oppressive regimes to consolidate power, and many Americans are afraid that this might happen in their own country.
Defending the Nation
There’s something to be said about the ‘militia ethos’ and the role of armed citizens in national defense scenarios. If the US were ever to come under attack from a foreign nation, then the huge number of guns in the country could play a crucial role in defending the nation.
Hunting and Sport-shooting
Guns are also essential components to a lot of American pastimes, such as hunting and sport shooting. The social aspect of gun ownership is, therefore, very important to a lot of people. In fact, Delta Waterfowl has concluded that a massive 6% of Americans hunt!
Influence of the Media
The media plays a crucial role in influencing the views of American citizens over gun control. Some news outlets portray guns as drastically unsafe, whereas others emphasize support for guns. Of course, this will have an impact on the opinion of the people viewing these broadcasts.
Technological Advancements
Technology plays a huge factor in American perceptions of gun laws: safety features have improved, which backs the case for ownership, and now, guns can actually be 3D-printed at home. This makes them substantially more accessible to those without firearms licenses, contributing further to the need to defend oneself.
Psychological Factors
Guns can be attractive to people for psychological comfort from the sense of empowerment that they provide. This is particularly significant in the case of national tragedies involving guns, ironically. It’s a complex psychological landscape, one that continues to prevent Americans from letting go of their right to bear arms.
Education and Training
Many people claim that gun ownership allows for easier education on the safety of handling them. If guns are readily available, then young people can be shown how to handle them in a safe way, which promotes responsible ownership. However, some Americans deem this perspective to be ridiculous, and it’s constantly debated.
Legacy and Heritage
Guns can often be passed down through generations as precious heirlooms, so individual weapons can be a massive part of an individual family’s history. Many guns date back to the Revolutionary War and perhaps even further, so naturally, Americans aren’t willing to return these prized possessions to the government.
Self-Defense
Finally, it’s important to remember that America is far from the safest country in the world; stats provided by the Pew Research Center show that deaths caused by firearms have been increasing for several years! Unfortunately, this results in a paradox where most Americans feel unsafe, defending themselves and their families by owning guns.
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