If you haven't talked about gun violence at least once in the past two weeks, chances are you're living under a rock. In light of the recent tragedy in Florida, in which 17 high school students were shot and killed in the middle of their school day, gun violence and gun control have become hot topic issues once again. Now more than ever it's crucial for the young people in this country to be well informed, especially when it appears that they are the ones in danger.
I asked 10 college students what they think should be done about gun violence in America.
"Personally, I think gun violence is a little out of hand, and I'd like to see most firearms banned. What we are doing right now obviously isn't working and it's time to try something else."
-20, Oakland University
"I think we need more protection at the schools. I think children deserve to feel safe at school, but I don't think banning guns is going to change anything. There are so many illegal markets, banning something doesn't make it go away."
-19, Michigan State University
"I think that people should be able to own guns but I think the process of getting one should be a lot stricter. There need to be requirements for mental health and criminal background checks. It should be hard to get one but not impossible. I don't think owning a gun causes violent behavior."
-19, Michigan State University
"It bothers me that people aren't even considering banning guns. I understand it may never happen and even if it does these shootings might still occur, but why not consider it? It worries me that people are so set in their ways that they are prioritizing owning a gun over the lives of children."
- 20, Oakland University
"I can't believe it's still an issue we have to deal with. Every time something like this happens we debate the issue for months. And then by the time the next tragedy occurs, we haven't found a solution."
-21, University of Michigan
"I honestly don't see another solution besides banning guns. I feel like we've tried everything else."
-19, Michigan State University.
"I don't think gun control should be the topic of conversation. It's our second amendment right and has been since 1791. It is just now becoming an issue then I don't think guns are responsible. Mental health and lack of discipline need to be the main focus."
-20, Oakland University
"Gun violence is preventable. It's wrong to uphold an archaic amendment without any adjustments. We need to stop the madness and ban assault rifles. The gun lobby and our congress have been irresponsible and Americans are demanding immediate change. If the change doesn't come we will elect different leaders. We must stop placing profits above the safety of the public. We don't need to fully disarm America, but simply have closer regulation on guns."
-20, Oakland University.
"We've always had guns in our country. We haven't always had school shootings. Something changed and it wasn't the ability to own a gun in America. I think we need to focus on the motivations behind these crimes."
-21, University of Michigan
"I don't know what needs to be done. That's me being completely honest. It's not that I don't care about the issue of gun violence, I find it completely terrifying. But I know for a fact that there are people in this country who are not, under any circumstances, going to give up their guns."
-18, Michigan State University
Whether you agree with the ideas these students expressed or not, it's an important conversation to be having. As young people, progress in America lays heavily on our shoulders. We have the power to make a change and these issues are directly effecting members of our generation. If you don't have an opinion on what's happening in our country, I suggest you open your eyes and find one.
