Miyanna Jelks' Death Needs To Mean Something
Start writing a post
Politics

Miyanna Jelks' Death Needs To Mean Something

How many more children must fall victim to gun violence?

71
Miyanna Jelks' Death Needs To Mean Something
Tony Webster

Over the weekend in Milwaukee, as many were enjoying the nice spring weather, a nine year old girl was shot dead by her brother. Miyanna Jelks was a child accidentally killed by another child, and just like that has become another example of the extent of gun violence.

While her parents will be arrested for this awful incident, there is still, ultimately, never any real “justice” when a child’s life is taken by gun violence. Milwaukee has always suffered from such violence, but as high school students everywhere march for their lives this week, Miyanna Jelks’ death must also be remembered and fought for.

Similar to Jelks, many other children live in households with guns. As a result, many children have also been accidental shooting victims and will continue to be victims if no change is enacted.

There are endless stories that I could fill this article with to better prove my point. Just last year, a six year old shot a four year old child in South Carolina, a father accidentally killed his daughter in Indiana, and a boy from Mississippi died in his grandparents’ arms on the way to the hospital after being accidentally shot in the chest.

That list can go on and on, further showing that no matter how many children fall victim to guns, people will continue to fight against the argument that more gun restrictions must be put into place.

Miyanna Jelks’ father obtained a gun even being a felon and he had a locked safe for his gun in his home…that he never used. It’s easy to simply push the blame for this shooting onto bad parenting (which could be argued to be true,) however in many of these accidental shootings, children have had frighteningly easy access to their parents’ guns.

As I mentioned before in previous articles, gun control doesn’t just mean taking away everyone’s guns. It means providing the proper training to use guns, especially if families allow their guns to lay out in the open for their children to pick up.

It means having a better background check system for purchasing guns. It means teaching people how to safely secure their guns in their homes, so curious children don’t use them.

According to a study published in Newsweek, shootings are now the third leading cause of death for children in the United States. While this is extremely important, let’s look at the causes of death that come before shootings: illnesses and unintentional deaths (such as car crashes.)

As for illnesses, we created vaccines and have made so many advances in medicine to help treat diseases in an effort to save children’s lives. With cars, we have enacted speed limits, restricted the driving age, and forced people to pass a test before they are allowed to control a vehicle.

Yes, it is true that illnesses and car crashes still, unfortunately, take children’s lives everyday but it’s crucial to remember that the country has at least attempted to regulate these issues.

So, it doesn’t really make sense that guns have become so dangerous to our children and, yet, there has still been nothing done to help solve America’s gun problem.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

92758
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments