Ask anybody & they’ll tell you America has a love affair with guns. But is that all it is? Beyond the big debates on TV or online, it’s the little things that show how guns have become such an important part of American culture. Here are thirteen signs that our gun culture has turned into an unhealthy obsession.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
Gun-Themed Baby Gear
We have onesies, pacifiers & even baby blankets all decked out with guns and bullets. From the cradle, these babies are introduced to the world of firearms. Being a gun enthusiast is OK – but when your baby’s first word could be “Glock,” it’s worth thinking things through. Guns are not a normal part of life right from the start.
Pets Accidentally Shot by Their Owners
Sadly, pets getting shot by their own owners has become all too real because they mistake their furry friends for intruders. Our quick-to-shoot mentality isn’t so harmless anymore. After all, pets are part of our family and if they’re getting caught in the line of fire, it’s a sign things are getting out of hand.
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Bulletproof Everything
Nowadays, you can buy bulletproof backpacks, jackets—and even school supplies. While thinking about safety is great, the fact that there’s a market for this stuff for everyday use is kinda wild. Why would you need a bulletproof vest just to go to the store? When did that become normal for some people?
Guns in Dating Profiles
Swipe right if you love long walks on the beach, romantic dinners…and your AR-15. More & more people are using their love of guns as a selling point in their dating profiles. Instead of focusing on their hobbies and pets, they’re trying to show off their firepower. That makes our love for guns rather clear.
Gun Ranges in the Neighborhood
In some areas, getting a flyer in the mail for a new gun range is relatively normal because these places are popping up quite close to home. It’s one thing to have a place to practice safely—it’s quite another when it’s right next to where kids play. Perhaps we’re becoming too comfortable with guns being everywhere.
Social Media Gun Challenges
Once upon a time, people did the ice bucket challenge—but now some challenges involve guns. Whether it’s trick shots or showing off your collection, guns have the spotlight on social media. It may be fun for some but other people don’t think it sends the best message. After all, it’s harmless—until someone forgets these are serious weapons and not toys.
Guns as Gifts
Nothing says “Happy Birthday” like a new handgun, according to some people. Many of them have begun giving guns as gifts for all sorts of occasions and ages. Does celebrating a birthday or graduating college really have to mean getting a shotgun? It seems like there’s quite a disconnect.
Customized Guns for Fashion
Guns are getting a makeover. For example, you might see pink handguns or ones with designer logos—either way, firearms are fashion statements. Instead of having a firearm for protection, some people view them more as accessories to go with their outfits. If that’s not a sign we’re too obsessed with them then we don’t know what it is.
Guns in Home Decor
Forget about pictures of the family or classic art—some people decorate their homes with guns. They’ll mount them on the wall or display them in cases because firearms are now part of our home aesthetic. Of course, being proud of your collection is okay. But does it really need to be the centerpiece of your living room?
Open Carry Meetups
Open carry meetups have also become quite common, meaning that you could go for a coffee and run into a group of people all proudly wearing their guns out in the open. Naturally, such changes are quite controversial. Even though it’s just people flexing their right to bear arms, it also shows how guns are moving out of the range and into our daily lives.
Concealed Carry Fashion
Similarly, you can also look stylish & carry your gun, thanks to concealed carry fashion. There are so many special holsters & purses especially designed to hide your firearm—packing heat has never looked so chic. Clearly, guns have become just a standard part of our lives that many people don’t even think about.
Teachers Packing Heat
No matter what side of the fence you’re on, you can’t deny that the debate about arming teachers is rather intense. It’s a big leap from metal detectors and security guards to Mrs. Smith packing a pistol next to her textbooks. Just the idea that arming the classroom shows how ingrained guns are in our culture.
Drive-Thru Gun Purchases
It might sound strange but in 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) legalized drive-thru gun stores. That’s right—you can buy a gun almost as easily as grabbing a burger & fries at a drive-thru. Such a change has meant the convenience of buying firearms has reached a whole new level.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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