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; it is protected by the Second Amendment of the American constitution. 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 (Egendorf 2005, 11).

Discussion

Because of the increase in crime rates in the Western world, the gun violence has gained an international exposure. Thus, the governments 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 (Correa 2001, 25). Legislation against gun violence has had a positive impact on the control of violence and the crimes, in which a weapon was used, showed a declining tendency.

There are many factors that have contributed to the prevailing culture, in America in general, and Chicago in particular. 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. 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. This is blatant brainwashing and has influenced the psyche of the youth to such an extent that they have become hypnotized. Poverty and lack ...