The article “Many Gun Owners Support Gun Control. So Why Don’t They Speak Out?” (Aubrey 2022), reveals that a significant number of U.S. gun owners endorse gun control measures, such as raising the legal gun ownership age and implementing red flag laws. However, a sense of disconnection and fear of blame hampers them from openly expressing their support. The study cited in the article, conducted by Michael Siegel of Tufts University, indicates that about 70% of gun owners are hesitant to engage in gun violence prevention due to feelings of alienation. The narrative introduces individuals like Richard Small, a long-time NRA member, who, after a school shooting, supports common-sense measures for gun control, highlighting the potential for attitude shifts among gun owners.
Learning about Richard Small’s transformation is particularly impactful. It challenges stereotypes about gun owners and underscores that they, too, can advocate for stricter gun control policies. Small’s decision to surrender an assault-style rifle and his call for fellow gun owners to compromise suggests a growing movement among sensible gun owners. This information aligns with my research question about gun ownership and preventing gun violence while understanding the perspectives of gun owners who support gun control measures but hesitate to speak out. However, I’m curious how stories similar to Richard Smalls can contribute to changing public discourse on gun control and making our communities safer.
Dear Roy,
Your post made me think about the different kinds of situations those who want to prevent gun violence go through mentally. They may have some kind of fear being a gun owner and going out and saying things that may make gin control even more strict than it already is. Something I wonder is that would there be a way for anonymous suggestions?
Sincerely,
David
Dear Roy, your post made me think that gun owners should support this due to having children. I think their decision is because guns could be dangerous if children are around. Something I wonder is why are gun owners scared of this.
Sincerely Juan,
Dear Roy, your post made me think that certain common-sense gun measures are indeed useful since even gun owners do support them. Additionally, your post made me think that gun owners remain silent perhaps out of fear that if they do demonstrate their support for some degree of gun control it can cause the government to take further action and impose even stricter gun control policy. Something I wonder is what would it take for gun owners to really demonstrate their support for gun control, would it be a response to governmental policy or a response to tragedy?
Sincerely,
Benjamin
Dear Roy, your post made me think that more gun owners should really begin to think about advocating for gun control. I think that these firearm owners should not be afraid to speak out because as gun owners their opinion matters and could make a difference. Something I wonder is, Why should gun owners be afraid of blame if they speak out?
Sincerely,
Edward
Dear Roy,
Your post made me think about how many gun owners are scared to speak out as fear hampers them from openly expressing how they really feel. As well as how about 70% of gun owners are hesitant to engage in gun violence prevention due to feelings of alienation. Something I wonder is what are they scared of.
Sincerely,
Fabian