Introduction
Gun control in the United States is a public controversy that sparks debate among different shareholders. With the various opinions and agendas attached to the issue, it is impossible to agree on the best approach for a safer country and fewer casualties to gun violence. There are three central questions surrounding gun control that are relevant to the recent crimes. First, are gun control rights going to change what is going on and make a difference? Secondly, should states allow teachers to have gun rights in classrooms to protect the students? Lastly, will background checks before buying a gun be enough and will it make a difference? Following a class discussion on these questions, some arguments were presented on the controversy of gun control.
Notably, the present controversy on gun control stems from an increased number of school shootings. In 2018 alone, the country has recorded more than 18 shootings in the first four months of the year (Lopez 2018). As expected this frequency sparked concern among students, parents, teachers, the general public, and the government. Each entity has made a deliberate effort to improve the situation by suggesting solutions such as adjusting gun control rights, allowing teacher’s to carry guns for student protection and improving the standards of background checks. Mainly, each argument carries support and opposition from different sides.
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Argument 1: Gun control rights
In reference to this argument, their facts suggest that change is necessary. Today, there are a total of 270,237 recorded gun suicides and 9,983 unintentional gun deaths as well (Bovy, 2015). Firearms were the leading cause of suicide and homicide in the United States. This means that guns are more deadly than lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and Parkinson’s disease. As a result, there is a need for drastic change and practical solutions that will confront the issue head-on. The first step is addressing gun control rights.
Advocates of adjusting gun control rights suggest that this method is useful in lowering the 464,033 recorded gun deaths in different ways (Judy, 2017). A change in gun control rights slows down the process of acquiring guns and the number of gun owners as well. Consequently, guns are less likely to fall into the hands of unstable people who become mass shooters. During the class discussion, it was clear that the government cannot entirely do away with guns ownership among civilians due to the social and political realities that protect the right to own a firearm. Thus, stricter gun control rights are the first practical approach towards reducing mass shootings.
Notably, there are parties entirely gun control rights. They suggest that only government officials should have the right to own firearms. These trained persons have the knowledge and skills to handle such weapons responsibly unlike civilians who receive minimal training and testing (Haskins, 2017). Furthermore, continued access to guns means that the rate of gun violence remains the same. Americans should not expect a decrease in gun killings while the tool used in these crimes continue in circulation.
Argument 2: Guns for teachers to protect students
In reference to school shootings, some believe that teachers should own guns so that they can protect their students in the event of a mass shooting. Supporters of this approach suggest that handing teachers guns is an act of preparation that deters the enemy and keeps the teachers in control. Additionally, arming teachers makes them a defense for the children, and thus they do not have to run away from the shooter. In fact, the United States President, Mr. Donald Trump, added that teachers with guns could eliminate the threat instead of living in fear for their lives (Griffin, 2018). Teachers are authorities responsible for the children they teach and thus must ensure their safety as well. Therefore, availing firearms ensures they remain in control even when the situation becomes desperate. With proper training, they can use the guns only for the intended purpose of protection and not harm their colleagues or students.
In the class discussion, it was noted that those against teachers with guns primarily supported the curtailing of gun control rights. Therefore, their arguments against armed educators are similar with the reasons behind no gun rights for citizens. First, more guns in schools mean more shootings. The solution for a problem caused by firearms is not adding more weapons to the school systems (Laws, 2018). These trusted teachers may become the shooters themselves in the same way that the student who legally purchased a gun became a school shooter. Also, the teachers with guns do not deter students from carrying guns. If an individual’s mind is set on committing a crime, they are willing to overcome any obstacle to do so. Thus, the government should not rely on armed teachers to keep violent students in check. Additionally, allowing guns in schools creates a high-pressure situation where both teachers and students do not trust each other.
Argument 3: increased background checks
Activist groups are known to suggest expanded background checks for intended owners. Ideally, this would reveal information on whether an individual is capable of handling a firearm or not. Background checks will review their mental capacity and decision-making capabilities to determine if an individual can take on the responsibilities of gun ownership. Furthermore, it is believed that increased background checks will eliminate the excuses that the government and courts give to pardon mass shooters. It will help remove possible risk factors such as unstable mental capacity (Gabriel, 2018). During the presentation, it was highlighted that the government and media are quick to reveal the troubled background of mass shooters once they commit a crime. Therefore, both entities should have such information before they allow gun ownership for an individual of any age. This strategy helps stop the gun issue before it starts.
Those against stricter background checks have valid evidence for their argument. Based on data from countries with strict background checks such as France, Belgium, and Norway, mass public shootings are not eliminated by more stringent rules. These nations have banned gun ownership but continuously deal with mass shootings among their citizens. Also, since 2000, mass shooters in America have not acquired guns through ‘private transfer’ (Lott, 2017). This fact means that they are not part of the transactions and thus the government has no control over their access to firearms. The demand for more information on the buyer would, therefore, have no impact on the mass shootings in America. Also, all gun owners are capable of mass shootings regardless of their past. Dividing people into groups of likely shooters and unlikely shooters are subjective and will infringe on fundamental rights due to stigmatization and violation of civil liberties in the United States.
Reflection
From the research and class discussion, there are some lessons that stand out. First, the importance of an open communication forum is essential for all controversial issues. Having different platforms where all shareholders can air their views is a united effort towards finding solutions for a prominent problem. Therefore, the class presentation was eye-opening as it was a safe space for the students to discuss and share on an issue that affected them on a day to day basis. Having such a channel helps American get on the same page about the problem at hand and possible solutions.
Personally, I learned that it is alright to agree to disagree. Gun control is a susceptible issue that sparks emotion with people who lost their loved ones and gun owners as well. Therefore, it is crucial to realize that while not everybody shares your opinion, a difference in approach or thoughts does not make your opinion any less valid. Therefore, it is essential to listen to others, understand their point of view, and if there is no universal ground, agree to disagree. This approach is a mature way to put one’s position across and co-exist with others.
During the discussion, each side held their own. No group was more persuasive than the other as they each presented original arguments and proper counter arguments. Evidently, all students care about the gun issue in America today especially since it is frequently happening within their environment. It is essential that all students follow the problem as it unfolds and remains educated on the facts of gun control. Additionally, they can join groups that support their cause and push their agendas by supporting them financially or through participation. This effort elevates the voice of their opinion and gives them a channel to speak more on the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gun control is a relevant public controversy sparking debate on various issues. As discussed, some believe that no gun rights will solve the problem while others are against it. Evidently, while some states advocate the arming of teachers, some feel this would elevate the casualties of mass and accidental shooting in America. Lastly, while stricter background checks for guns seem like an advocated solution, opposers think it is not a practical option since mass shooters are of part of the transaction process. Ultimately, the issue remains a cause for the great debate around the world.
References
Bovy, P.M. (2015). “It's Time to Ban Guns. Yes, All of Them.” The New Republic . Retrieved from: newrepublic.com/article/125498/its-time-ban-guns-yes-them.
Griffin, A. (2018). “Should Teachers Carry Guns in Classrooms? The Arguments after Donald Trump Suggests Schools without Guns Are 'Magnets' for Massacres.” The Independent . Retrieved from: www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/guns-classrooms-should-teachers-donald-trump-magnet-tweet-florida-school-shooting-a8223206.html .
Judy, R. (2017). “Gun Control - ProCon.org.” Should More Gun Control Laws Be Enacted in the United States? Gun-control.procon.org. Retrieved from:
Haskins, J. (2017) “Opinion: Why Strict Gun Control Will Never Work in U.S.” Newsday . Retrieved from: www.newsday.com/opinion/commentary/strict-gun-control-will-never-work-in-america-1.14453352 .
Laws, C. (2018). ‘Illegal Guns Statistics Overview’ Gun | Laws.com. Retrieved from: Gun , gun.laws.com/illegal-guns/illegal-guns-statistics.
Lopez. (2018) “Marco Rubio's Case against Gun Control Defies Simple Logic.” Vox , Vox . Retrieved from: www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/2/16/17016168/marco-rubio-florida-school-shooting.
Lott, Jr. John. (2017). “Background Checks Do Not Diminish Crime Rates, but Can Increase Them.” The Hill , Retrieved from: thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/353893-background-checks-do-not-diminish-crime-rates-but-can-increase-them.
Gabriel, J. (2018). “Why Gun Control Is Not the Solution to Mass Shootings.” THE STATESMAN , Retrieved from: statesmanonline.org/2017/10/09/why-gun-control-is-not-the-solution-to-mass-shootings/.
