Stand your ground. It gets into the psyche.
We have George Zimmerman to thank for bringing to light the low thresholds to meet for a stand your ground defense in some of the great States of these United. On one hand, these laws help to protect those who truly feel the threat of life and limb, and allow for self-defense. On the other hand, there is much room for discretion and error. Despite Zimmerman not being a police officer, the incidents surrounding the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012 are one of many that contributed to implementing the use of police body cams and access to footage. But clearly the issues are larger than that.
Perception is reality.
Deeply rooted stereotypes, beliefs of superiority, and bigotry still hold the cards and pull the triggers.
When an 84-year-old white man shoots a 16-year-old black male in Kansas City through his glass door, there is zero confidence that guns are in the right hands [1]. There is no way there could have been imminent danger warranting this type of a response, and it is indescribably reckless and irresponsible.
“We need to find a way to stop a nut with a gun,” were some past controversial words spoken by legendary sportscaster Dan Henson in response to a mass shooting in our recent history. Even more recently, he has voiced his opinion about penalties. In his “Extra Point” segment, he spoke up about the hypocrisies surrounding the approach to penalizing mass shooters in response to a high school shooting in Florida. Citing one of the many benefits of white privilege, he was very specific about how different public response would be if this was a mass shooting at the hands of a non-white individual. There would be unmistakable public outcry. He signed off of his segment saying, “It’s getting harder to enjoy the day” [2]. His point echoed the sentiments of many outraged US citizens: There is harsher punishment and virtually no sympathy for non-white offenders. It’s outright inter-domestic terrorism. It’s enabling.
Without any true accountability, the psyche will continue to understand that shooting an unarmed individual of a different race or ethnicity who does not pose a real threat is ok. The United States is plagued by gun violence. With every possible solution that is presented, there is some nemesis. Without going through the plethora of statistics and nuanced details of incessant discussions about how to have stricter gun laws and whether or not we will be impeding on the Second Amendment right to bear arms, the bottom line is this: Where there is a will, there is a way.
So, how do you attack the will?
What is it about the United States that makes so many prone to and inclined to participate in gun violence? Surely it isn’t always some underlying mental illness that persists as a common cause and explanation. We have come to be much more vigilant with exploring, discussing, and acknowledging mental illness as well as treating and pre-treating signs of mental illness. Of course, there is always improvement to be had.
What if it’s simply a shift in cultural norms that is needed? Well, honestly, not “what if” – that is the solution.
Efforts in Durham are continually growing to prevent guns from getting into the hands of young people. As of April 6th, WRAL reported more than 11 people under 18 had been shot in Durham this year [3]. By April 15th, that number had grown to 18. “Let’s not let anyone else’s child have to die on the streets of Durham, North Carolina,” Durham Mayor Elaine O’Neal said with a heavy heart during her April 17th State of the City address, directly addressing gun violence in Durham [4].
Drivers’ education is largely normalized and offered during high school. With more normalization of guns, and issues surrounding safety and gun violence along with highly regarded Second Amendment rights, should we also offer, and possibly even require gun regulation and safety coursework during high school? Each can be used as a dangerous weapon. Food for thought.
Works Cited
- https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/17/us/kansas-city-teen-shot-wrong-house/index.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdXRRQou4qk
- https://www.wral.com/story/a-fight-to-protect-young-lives-durham-leaders-gather-to-tackle-gun-violence/20800237/
- https://abc11.com/politics-durham-mayor-elaine-oneal-city-council/13141622/