Gun Control

Introduction

Gun control, gun violence is one of the most debated issues in America. Bearing weapons is not a new practice in America because the Second Amendment of the American constitution protects it. This paper highlights the contemporary trends in gun control, legal problems pertaining to the issue, and recommendations for solving this problem that has haunted the American public for centuries.

Thesis Statement

The enforcement of gun control legislations has had a positive impact on the society as a whole.

Importance of gun control and gun violence

Due to increase in crime rates in the Western world, the gun violence has gained an international exposure. Thus, the governments of many countries are forced to implement legislations focusing on the control of guns and other weapons used in crimes. A comparative study of 13 countries, which was conducted by a team of researchers, showed that the crime rates in these countries have steadily increased during the past five years. Legislation against gun violence in Chicago has had a positive impact on the control of violence and the crimes, in which a weapon was used, showed a remarkable declining tendency. (Egendorf:.11-12)

Prevalence of Gun Violence in Society

Racial discrimination and segregation has led to the prevalence of gun violence in non-white communities. In a study, conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, (FBI), most of the black youngsters, (68 percent approximately), aged between 12 to 15 years were found to commit a crime with a handgun. The percentage among the white was nominal and stood at 10 percent only. (Kleck : 38-40)

Violent television programs have played a vital role in enticing the youth to acquire a gun and commit a crime, just like the character was portraying, while playing the role. Poverty and lack of facilities also provoke a sense of insecurity among the individuals, who possess a racial background. Most of the families are living below the poverty line. The adolescents use different tactics, including theft, murder, robbery, and other illegal means to acquire a gun.

Second Amendment

The second amendment of the constitution provides the individual citizen of the United States, the right to bear arms. There exists no accountability system, so as to check, who has possessed a weapon illegally. (Correa: 25-26) Moreover, if an individual uses a gun for killing an innocent being, especially in Chicago, where, the ethnic and minority people live in majority, then, who is going to question the legality ...