No Gun Laws, No Control

niacemoneharris
Sep 24, 2020
3 min read

Edited by, Shriya Reddy

A cartoon displaying the importance of gun laws. © Giffords

Mass shooting after mass shooting, families grieving day and night, victims of gun violence continue to be headlined on national news. What more will it take for change to be made? According to ABC News, in 2018, there was at least one mass shooting a month with more than 20 overall deaths. The deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, occurred in 2017 at a Las Vegas music festival, resulting in the deaths of 58 concertgoers and injuring hundreds more. Why are mass shootings and gun violence becoming “the new normal” within American culture? Is it Gun Rights or Privileges? Why is it so hard to implement new gun control laws to protect human lives?

Many Americans believe that gun control laws corrupt their right, as written in the Bill of Rights- the Second Amendment, however gun control laws would simply protect the American people and ensure the safety for our future. In a speech to the National Rifle Association, President Trump announced he will not ratify America’s participation in the international Arms Trade Treaty, providing some international oversight on arm sales. The ratification of this law could have prevented the two lives taken recently in a peaceful protest, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. A 17-year old male killed and wounded people with an assault rifle. A minor should not be able to so easily acquire a military weapon of that manner, no matter his identity.

In an April 2018 review of mass shootings in the U.S, 99 mass shootings have occurred since 1982 from which approximately 76 semi-automatic handguns and 89 assault weapons were used. A legal right in America requires limitations so that no power is being abused. Furthermore, that is what has been taking place for years, without proper measures placed within a law, it becomes a privilege. The Second Amendment does not mean American citizens have full access to purchase any firearms, but there are no laws in place that dismiss this idea either. The federal and state government must aid the people of America in this fight for survival. No law needs to be removed; however, gun control laws are an urgent matter that needs to be tended to and enforced by our state leaders and federal government.

Thousands of protestors participating in a March for Our Lives protest. © Elaine Thompson

What Can We Do as the Youth of America?

Gun control laws will protect every individual in America of any age. We have seen the impact America’s youth have had in the last decade without them. By the end of 2019, there was more than 45 school shootings. The Parkland survivors and other students continue to advocate for these laws to be put in order, while still suffering severe trauma. You can watch this video that greatly captures the passion these students have as they voice the importance of action towards gun control laws being placed.

Trigger warning: Discussion of the usage of guns, and the loss of lives due to a lack in control.

We, the children and the future of America should not have to live in fear, when there are plenty of ways to reduce the likelihood of mass shootings and gun violence. As a teen myself, I encourage all youth to share your opinions on this topic to your parents and relatives who are eligible to vote, so that they will understand the power they have in choosing a candidate in any electoral process and remember they are not only voting for themselves.

There are many ways youth can further the change needed in America to protect the people of America. As youth we can sign petitions, share petitions and donate to organizations like, Everytown for Gun Safety and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. We must stay informed about any progress and setbacks towards this fight to implement gun control laws. This a process that will not be rushed, but it is a process worth every ounce of effort from every U.S civilian. Together, as a united front dedicated to creating change, we can count on a promising future for all generations to come.