Introduction
Gun control in America has in the recent past been a major debate since the 1960s after President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King were assassinated (Haerens 111). While some individuals consider the issue of gun control to be a crime, others consider it a rights issue, in addition to being an education issue, political issue, safety, and racial issue (Doyle 77).
The majority of individuals are either scared of or cannot handle a firearm safely and others make the decision not to use it appropriately. Despite having passed laws meant to regulate gun ownership and use, several legislations are still being presently considered (Haerens 114).
Main body
It has been observed that numerous individuals own guns across the globe and a variety of reasons as to why they chose to own them.
Several factors may prompt one to consider owning a gun for instance because it is perceived to be the ‘in-thing and makes one appear powerful and in control (Doyle 81). This particular reason may be one of the most overlooked as it seems weak. The other factor that may drive an individual to own a gun is that of family legacy where parents own firearms and pass them down to their children especially as birthday gifts or rewards for a job well done (Haerens 120).
However, the majority of individuals in America as well as other parts of the world believe that having guns means that one is in a better position to protect themselves and their loved ones in case of attack (Haerens 145).
Gun possession in America as well as other parts of the world has come with major consequences in that violent crimes are on the increase. One of the most recorded violent crimes as a result of gun possession is homicide (Doyle 88).
Research has revealed that the number is higher in developing countries or those nations experiencing political and social instability. In the US, this form of crime is witnessed in urban areas especially those areas where gang members are present (Haerens 162).
Violent robberies using guns are yet another consequence of gun possession in America. In addition, other minor crimes such as hijackings are also done through the use of guns as a means of instilling fear in the victims (Haerens 177).
In modern-day society, gun control is vital to ensure that insecurities and violence are reduced and brought under control. While there are those individuals opposed to the idea of legalizing possession of guns in public places, there are those who are for the idea, citing that if people are allowed to publicly own guns, there would be reduced crime rates associated with guns (Doyle 93). Those people who are fighting to legalize possession of guns include the federal government, private organizations, and the majority of American citizens. When President Obama was Senator, he together with Biden proposed that guns should be legalized by the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, as long as people would ensure that the firearms are kept away from children and criminals who should not be having them (Doyle 107).
However, they tend to forget that the increasing rate of violence in American and other parts of the world is a result of the possession of firearms.
Recently, there have been overwhelming cases of students going on a shooting rampage in schools, colleges, and universities as a result of owning a gun. If possession of guns in public areas was to be legalized, more crimes associated with guns would become even high. For instance, if a neighbor was to quarrel with another neighbor, he would be prompted to shoot him out of rage (Haerens 190).
Such cases are the reasons why possession of guns in public areas should not be legalized.
Conclusion
Those individuals who are against gun control and those for are sure that they are supporting the right cause in addition to having provided convincing arguments meant to favor them. However, the federal government and the society as a whole must face facts and educate citizens as to the dangers of bearing firearms, regardless of their reasons.
Work Cited
Doyle, Kelly. Is Gun Ownership a Right? Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2005. Pp. 77 – 127.
Haerens, Margaret. Gun Violence. Greenhaven press, YA: Cengage Gale, 2006. Pp. 111 – 205.