Guns, the epitome of violence, as described by many people but how much do we really know about guns? Many gun enthusiasts fear that this way of thinking may have contributed to the ‘endangerment’ of the Gun Culture. The cause, as stated by many, is that these “weapons” are only seen at a negative light and many refuse to see it on a more positive light.
The Myths:
With all the movies, TV series and even new reports, many misconceptions of firearms have spread like wild fire and this has impacted the public negatively and most of the time, these misconceptions antagonize firearms further. A few examples are:
- The Media’s misinterpretation of the firearm’s accuracy during a stressful situation.
- Several ‘Myths’ created by movies, especially the misconception behind the silencer.
- The misconception of the firearm’s capabilities.
- The ‘image’ of the Firearm Owner.
Firearm Misconceptions: An example of firearm misconceptions in movies. Notice the lack of trigger discipline as well as the emphasis on silencer. Photo from: galleryhip.com
Despite the overwhelming number of firearm-related crimes, gun enthusiasts have made measures to address the problems behind undisciplined use of firearms. One such example is the training courses done by Firearms Training Instructors, Chris Costa and Travis Haley. Chris Costa states in his video why he trains men & women in firearms. His reasoning focuses more on the practical use of firearms and more on protecting the people you love. While Travis Haley’s reasons focuses more on the emotional aspect of protecting someone. In line with this, the ‘Gun community’ has created a set of rules for firearm owners to strictly follow just as Christians must strictly follow the 10 commandments.
The Eulogy of Firearms
Firearms are always the main scope in many news stories, most portraying them as the item used to commit a crime. However, there are a number of ‘unpopular’ news stories that depict firearms in a more positive light. A few examples are:
- A man using his firearm to protect an elderly man.
- A robbery foiled by a firearm owning resident.
- A concealed carrier protecting himself from a mugger.
- Another concealed carrier saving the lives of several people, including children.
- Three Detroit residents defending themselves with firearms.
- And a Mother protecting her children from home invaders.
- The Concealed Carrier who stopped a carjacker in Utah.
The Iron Cross Special Operators Airsoft Team:
Airsoft fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Photo by Paul Ng
Also, gun enthusiasts have begun to introduce the art of shooting to youths and increase awareness & appreciation for firearms. One such example is the friendly sport of Airsoft, which is a simulation of military battles/operations and requires teamwork. Just like any other sport, Airsoft builds camaraderie and sportsmanship in players. And it builds honesty in players because they must call themselves out when they are ‘hit’ and no one else can do it. Another is the fine art of sports shooting, where players compete for accuracy instead of overall proficiency. Unlike in Airsoft, players are not subjected to stressful environments and merely focus on the accuracy of their weapons however, like Airsoft, they foster camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Despite the overwhelming negative annotations on firearms, it is unfair to generalize all firearms and firearm owners as evil. As with everything in this world, all are capable of both good and evil, it will always fall upon the person on how he/she will use the object. Firearm owners are not the ‘mindless gun nuts’ that many people perceive them to be. They are human and like us, they want to be able to protect themselves and their families. The Debate between Pro-gun and Anti-gun will continue with either side refusing to submit to the other however, it would be much more civil and productive if both sides were to analyze the opinions & points given by the other and try to think of a compromise instead of debating that their side is better. As stated by Aung San Suu Kyi, “If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise.”
#ModeratorMaverick
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