Gun Law Reform
“What we must do now is enact change because that is what we do to things that fail: We change them.”
— Lorenzo Prado, Parkland school shooting survivor, in Tallahassee
Gun Control is defined as the regulation of the sale and use of firearms. The first Gun Control Law was passed was in 1934 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The National Firearms Act’s (NFA) was to decrease gun-related violence that accelerated during this period.
According to the 2007 Small Arms Survey, the U.S. has only 4.4% of the world’s population, yet it accounts for roughly 42% of the world’s guns.
The 2nd Amendment
The 2nd Amendment states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” People believe that gun control would infringe on their 2nd Amendment right, which is a large reason why they are against gun control or gun reform.
INTERSECTION OF GUN CONTROL AND MENTAL ILLNESS
Another topic that comes up when discussing gun control is access to guns by individuals with documented mental ilness. There are some people that believe that addressing mental health would be the best way to deter gun violence, as opposed to having gun control.
Two Sides
The people that support Gun Control believe that there needs to be strict protocols to ensure safe gun use. Most people do not believe in abolishing the Second Amendment. Gun Control could include stricter background checks, mental health screenings, banning assault weapons, and other procedures to ensure that it is safe for that person to obtain a gun.
The people that do not support Gun Control believe that it is a constitutional right to own a gun, and as a result they should be allowed to exercise this right. The most popular organization that is against gun control is the NRA (National Rifle Association). The NRA’s goal is to protect the 2nd Amendment and the right to bear arms. They also believe in public safety and properly teaching individuals how to use a gun.
Different Perspectives
“They say no laws could have prevented the hundreds of senseless tragedies that have occurred. We call BS.”
— Emma Gonzalez, Parkland Shooting Survivor
“We can’t lose precious time debating legislation that won’t work.”
— Wayne LaPierre, NRA’s executive vice president
There is currently a huge divide in the country when it comes to this issue. However, everyone wants the same goal, which is a safer nation. There are people that believe that gun control is the way to make the nation safer, whereas others believe that it would not be effective and that there are other ways.
I decided to talk to Gen Z about their beliefs on this topic, how they believe our country could become safer, and if gun control is the way to achieve this goal.
When talking to Gen Z about Gun Control versus the 2nd Amendment and ways to break the divide in the country, I used the following guided questions:
What are your general thoughts and opinions on gun control?
What are your thoughts about Gun Control and the 2nd Amendment?
If you are for gun control, why? If you are not for gun control, why not?
What are your thoughts on the NRA?
Have you ever been scared at school or in any other building because of a lack of gun control? If so, what was the occurence?
How important do you believe mental illness is when discussing this issue?
Do you believe in giving mental health screenings to people that want to obtain a firearm? Why or why not?
What forms of gun control do you support? Universal background checks? Mental health screenings?
How do you think we can break the divide in this country when it comes to this topic?
What do you think is a good “solution” for the gun control versus 2nd amendment debate?
How do you think we can be the change?
What Can Society and Our Generation Do?
Breaking The Divide:
One of the best ways to break the divide when it comes to this topic is to remember that one thing that all Americans value is safety. Everyone simply has a different view on how gun law reform would affect safety in America. Once we realize our similarities, we can begin to make change from a common ground.
Solution:
There is no clear-cut solution to this debate. However, continuing to have conversations and getting to understand each other is one of the best ways to make powerful change in society.
Gen-Z Change:
Gen-Z Change should push to keep the conversation going. Our generation should continue posting on social media and raising awareness about this issue in any way possible. Our voices should not be ignored, and we can make true change in this country.