Gun violence is an American phenomenon I will never understand. Armed violence is complex. Every incident is different; there isn’t a set cause. This makes tackling this problem much more difficult.
“In 2000, almost 30,000 persons died from firearm injuries in the United States according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census. That’s more than the number of deaths from HIV, alcohol abuse and drug abuse – all issues that are also complicated. So why is it that mass deaths are the price gun owners are willing to pay for their right to bear arms?
Laws regarding gun rights play a major role in gun violence. However, individuals themselves have the option to access firearms. If chosen, it’s up to the individual to take responsibility to practice safe ownership to decrease the chance of shootings.
I recently began working with Colorado Ceasefire, an organization that advocates for a state free of gun violence through legislation advocacy, education, and outreach. With the help of their research, I’ve learned a variety of different approaches to achieving safer gun ownership. Cable and trigger locks are an inexpensive and effective way to prevent firing from an unauthorized user. Lock boxes are also a highly effective tool that decreases the risk of accidental shootings.
Advocating for safe storage is important, but it’s only one solution for a problem that is rooted in countless different factors. Many incidents are a result of community norms and education. Income inequality, underfunded housing, and underperforming schools increase the likelihood of gun violence in the community.
Feeling empathy for others who have to face challenges with gun violence is crucial. Guns create damage to human flesh and bone, however, they also create fear and stigma in communities that have experienced violence. It’s important to understand that independent variables to gun violence such as socioeconomic levels and cultural issues are uncontrollable. Finding a way to advocate, educate, and support these communities is the next step.
To prevent gun violence in the future, we need to understand the diversity within the issue. Instead of looking at gun violence as a political debate, we have to find common ground to stop shootings.
