US gun violence

It has been a bloody week for the US after approximately 20 people were killed while several critically injured in a string of incidents — seven mass shooting events occurring in a span of seven days. The most recent one took place on March 22 when a gunman armed with a semiautomatic rifle and a pistol killed 10 people at a grocery store in Colorado.

Throughout history, the US has notoriously been known for gun violence. More than 342,439 people have been killed by firearms between 2008 and 2017. Even the deadly pandemic has not been able to curb the ordeal, with 20,000 Americans killed in 2020 alone — a record year for gun violence. The recent surge in gun violence against Asian Americans, a phenomenon which emerged after Trump’s statements about the “Chinese virus”, points towards the racial hierarchy that is deeply intertwined with the issue. However, despite extensive debates regarding gun control, no significant legislative action has been taken on the matter.

While some quote the Second Amendment to claim their right to bear arms, others suggest a blanket ban on all types of weapons. But, can we find a middle ground? In theory, the only possible way the right to bear any sort of weapon can be upheld is if it is for the safety and protection of oneself and one’s family. Thus, the sale and purchase of any military-style weapon should automatically be banned since such “genocidal machines” were made to inflict as much damage as possible. Furthermore, since the intent is to protect and not to kill, other less dangerous alternatives such as a tasers, pepper spray or rubber bullets can be used for self defence.

In the wake of these killings, the government needs to amend laws and invest in the manufacture of non-lethal weapons as a suitable substitute. With many claiming this to be a “public health crisis”, the problem of mental health and racism needs to be equally addressed. The safety of citizens should be the top most priority.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2021.

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