Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of gun violence and gun-related deaths.
Another day, another mass shooting in America. On February 13th, a gunman shot and killed three Michigan State University students and injured five others, leaving the university and the nation reeling from yet another senseless act of violence. For Jackie Matthews, a senior at the university, this was the second mass shooting she has lived through, having survived the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting.
Matthews’ experience is sadly not unique. Gun violence in America is a significant problem, with school shootings becoming all too frequent. In 2022 alone, there have already been six school shootings. The tragic reality is that the risk of being involved in a mass shooting in America is inexplicably high.
The Washington Post recently reported that the number of children exposed to gun violence at school has significantly increased, from 187,000 in 2018 to 338,000 in 2021. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in America.
The fact that so many children are exposed to gun violence in schools is a disturbing reality, and one that demands action. The trauma of experiencing or witnessing gun violence can have lifelong effects, leading to anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Jackie Matthews’ call for action on gun violence is one that is echoed by many in America. The frequency of mass shootings and the increasing exposure of children to gun violence demands legislative change. It is not enough to offer thoughts and prayers; action is needed.
In recent years, there have been calls for measures such as universal background checks, red flag laws, and bans on assault weapons. However, despite public support for these measures, there has been little progress in passing gun control legislation at the federal level.
One of the reasons for the lack of progress on gun control legislation is the significant role of gun culture in America. The country has a deep-rooted tradition of gun ownership, and any attempts to regulate gun ownership are met with opposition from gun rights advocates who argue that any restrictions on gun ownership are an infringement on their Second Amendment rights.
However, the reality is that the Second Amendment was written at a time when guns were single-shot muskets, and the idea of an individual owning a weapon that could fire multiple rounds in seconds would have been unthinkable. It is time for America to acknowledge that times have changed and that gun ownership needs to be regulated to protect public safety.
The tragic reality of gun violence in America is one that cannot be ignored. The increasing frequency of mass shootings and the exposure of children to gun violence demands legislative change. While the issue of gun control is complex, it is time for America to take action to protect its citizens from the devastating effects of gun violence. Jackie Matthews’ call for action on gun violence is one that should be heeded, and it is up to lawmakers and citizens alike to work towards a safer America.
