Firearms and Society: America's Divided Approach to Gun Laws
Article by Marcus Castillo | Art by Jillian Hartshorne
As the number of reported shootings in America continues to skyrocket, the debate around gun violence grows desperate. Adopted in 1791, the Second Amendment is fundamental to the gun issue. Initially intended to permit individuals to create militias, its present view focuses on personal weapon ownership. The District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) Supreme Court decision confirmed this viewpoint by ruling that "the Constitution safeguards the right to own weapons for personal protection" (Oyez).
Gun violence has since proven to be a continuing and lethal concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that over 48,000 gun fatalities occurred in 2021; more than half (CDC) of these deaths have been attributed to suicide. Notable shootings like the Sandy Hook Elementary and Uvalde killings have increased calls for reform, but bills stagnate across great political and cultural differences.
Reform, according to proponents of stricter gun laws, is essential to saving lives. According to the Pew Research Center, 88% of Americans, including many gun owners, support universal background checks, making it one of the most popular improvements. These regulations can close the gaps that let people with criminal histories or mental health issues acquire firearms.
Additionally, restrictions on assault-style guns and high-capacity magazines are frequently advocated, especially since these rifles are frequently utilized in mass shootings. These laws, according to advocacy organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, are sensible responses to an avoidable catastrophe. In the opinion of reformers, stricter rules strike a balance between limiting harm and maintaining responsible gun ownership.
On the other hand, some argue that gun control is a fundamental right for the individual. The Second Amendment is seen as a safeguard against a tyrannical government and a guarantee of self-reliance and safety. Estimates suggest firearms are used defensively up to 500,000 times annually, reinforcing the belief that gun ownership enhances personal safety (CDC).
The effectiveness of gun regulations is also questioned, as many believe that “the bad guys will always get their guns”. In the eyes of many, criminals will circumvent these regulations, leaving law-abiding citizens defenseless. Instead of new laws, opponents advocate for enforcing existing regulations and addressing underlying issues like mental health,
The divided state of U.S. politics exacerbates unity. States like California place harsh rules, including assault weapon prohibitions, whereas others like Texas allow open carry without a license (Gifford's Law Center). These differences represent cultural and regional distinctions, with rural people usually viewing guns as tools of necessity and urban areas focused on their possible risks.
The issue is made worse by political unrest. Gun control has become a political issue, with strong influence groups and social media changing law and public opinion. Even projects with huge public support, like universal background checks, fail to get movement in Congress, showing the nation’s deep differences.
Despite the polarization, there are areas of compromise. Policies like enhanced background checks and community violence intervention programs receive bipartisan support. These initiatives aim to prevent firearms from reaching individuals at the highest risk of violence while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners.
Learning from other countries offers additional insight. Nations like Australia and Canada have implemented reforms that significantly reduced gun deaths, though these models may not suit America’s unique cultural and constitutional landscape exactly, incremental changes, paired with constructive dialogue, offer the best path forward. This issue is as complex as it is urgent. But for us to truly tackle this obstacle we as a collective people must find a common ground and compromise for the safety and well-being of all communities.
Works Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Fast Facts: Firearm Violence Prevention.” CDC, 2021, www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/firearms/fastfact.html.
Giffords Law Center. “Gun Law Rankings by State.” Giffords, lawcenter.giffords.org/scorecard/
Oyez. “District of Columbia v. Heller.” Oyez, www.oyez.org/cases/2007/07-290.
Pew Research Center. “America’s Complex Relationship with Guns.” Pew Research Center, 22 June 2017, www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2017/06/22/americas-complex-relationship-with-guns/.
