I have been stereotyped, categorized, and judged. My blood boils every time someone brings up the topic and steam disperses from my ears as I am forced to listen to the reason behind why "Guns Are Stupid". There is a belief that ALL gun owners are trigger happy southerns that congregate to chug cheap beers and compare the size of their lifted trucks. There is also a belief that people should not have the opportunity to own their own gun. I am not going to sit here and try to tell you that your way of thinking it incorrect. I would like for you to just open your mind to a way of thinking that might be different from your own.
My over and under shotgun has become a key feature in my room since I received it some Christmases ago. I can remember begging my dad for it. I know, its a little weird that a girl would request a gun for Christmas but it is one of my favorite gifts I have ever received. The adrenaline rush gained taking aim and looking down the barrel of a shotgun, sensing the warmth in your hands as you fire; I can't think of something more exhilarating. There is no better feeling than seeing a clay bust in the sky and hearing the pieces hit the ground. I have no qualms against hunting, as I have many friends that can be found in a duck blind in the winter, but I have not had the opportunity to go myself. There is a great lesson of responsibility to be learned when something so powerful is put in your hands. I think it is a little under appreciated by those who have never had this experience.
You see, ignorance is believing everything you see by only looking at the face value. It is not taking into account the other side of a situation and being close minded to what that one person told you that one time. Whether it be an "educational" video on Facebook or a poorly informed reporter, I ask that you take into account all the people that are affected when you make the claim that guns are stupid.
From time to time, I hear one of my girl friends talking about how scary guns are and all I can think to ask is "Why?" What made these machines so terrifying? I do not believe in the idea that a man made object can have the capability to produce a fear in a person, so great that they will freeze in their place and surrender to its commands. I do not believe that something made of metal and wood can have the power to control nations, destroy lives, and even take them. I believe it is the misconception of what or who we should be afraid of. So, before you go and blame the gun, you better look long and hard in the mirror and remember that trigger doesn't pull itself.
