What is Going on With Gun Laws?: Generation Z Weighs in (opinion)

Courtesy of FindLaw

2021 saw 14,516 people die from gun violence in the U.S. from January 1st to September 15th. Totaling 1,300 more deaths during the same period in 2020, a 9% increase. According to the Gun Violence Archive.

Political phonies on “both sides” perpetuate a narrative of resistance from the opposing parties regarding gun laws (amongst every other subject). A chance at bipartisanship federally seems all but lost on the issue. Meanwhile, state legislation scrambles to find a way to lower the increasing rates of gun violence. Young Americans' concerns about the increasing gun-related death rates and contrasting state laws weigh in on the chaotic issue.

Jake Hughes, Military, 22

"Gun safety is probably the most important thing that future gun owners and current gun owners should actively practice and teach. I almost think having a class would be a nice prerequisite to the purchase of a firearm. Nothing makes me cringe more than someone flailing their firearm around like they’re in a movie. I never want to use mine for self-defense but, I like to think that I will be as prepared as I can be in a worst-case scenario."

Lilly Pribish, College Student, 21

"I don’t feel any safer with guns around, However, I do understand why people own them and that some people can hunt for food with them. Guns can be a helpful tool, but I don’t see the need for automatic/semi-automatic rifles. I believe that there should be more gun safety training and education required to own a gun. Education surrounding the use and storage of guns is an easy and simple way to avoid many deaths each year. The main goal is to make things generally safer and more peaceful for everybody."

Jake Hutchinson, College Student, 22

"So many people have a preconceived notions about how “guns are bad” without researching how they work and how often lives are saved because of protection. People with bad intentions will find guns regardless. People should be able to protect themselves from these people. Education is power. Research the history of gun reform. Everyone deserves the right to protect themselves."

Maria Mcgonegle, graduate student, 22

"After living in Missouri in a rural community my thoughts on guns have changed slightly. People here have guns for protection against other humans as well as animals. They live far away from other people and law enforcement; therefore they need to be able to protect themselves. Gun violence in cities is a huge issue and guns are way too accessible. I don’t like guns, but I can see why people might want one, especially women or people who don’t feel safe."

Amber Green, Graduate Student, 24

"Illinois has one of the strictest gun laws, I’m not sure that it’s keeping everyone safe. Indiana and Missouri both have no gun laws at all and allow you to buy guns without any permit. If someone in Illinois really wanted a gun they can easily buy one, I don’t think gun laws are efficient in stopping crime. The crime in strict gun law states is the same or even less in states with no gun laws. That doesn’t mean I think anyone should be able to own a gun but there’s nothing we can really do to stop that from happening. Crime will continue to happen with or without gun laws."

While gun violence rates persist, Gen Z adults try to make sense of the chaos. Everyone has their opinion on gun laws. Political affiliation and stances on the 2nd amendment may differ, but Gen Z voice some simple concepts that corrupt politicians are surely aware of. However, these simple concepts get in the way of certain politicians’ pocketbooks.

Source List

Jake Hughes: j13hughes@gmail.com

Lilly Pribish: lpribish@mail.roosevelt.edu

Jake Hutchinson: jhutchinson01@mail.roosevelt.edu

Maria Mcgongle: mam8256@truman.edu

Amber Green: agreen21@mail.roosevelt.edu