Normalization of Gun Violence
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Normalization of Gun Violence

The trend of normalization in gun violence is dangerous and bringing the country to a precarious state

202
Normalization of Gun Violence

When the Columbine shooting happened on April 20, 1999, the nation was in shock. It was, at the time, the biggest school shooting that had ever occurred in the US. The mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012 was another grave shooting that rocked the US with its high level of gun violence and deaths. These were two shootings that took place in a school environment, but since Sandy Hook, there have been over 2000 more mass shootings in the United States where at least four or more people have died.

Gun violence has been a hot topic in the US for a decade now and students and parents have been getting more and more involved in advocacy for stricter gun control laws. For instance, several students who survived the shooting at Stoneman Douglass High School in Parkland Florida, Jaclyn Corin, Emma González, David Hogg, Cameron Kasky, and Alex Wind, have been active speakers at gun control rallies and have created the #NeverAgain movement. This involvement is slowly but steadily causing more conversation and causing change to occur.

What is so dangerous about gun violence in today's US society is that it is becoming so normalized. There was a shooting in Jersey City, New Jersey on December 10, 2019, and the scariest part of this shooting is that it did not receive near as much attention as Columbine or Sandy Hook. I saw one vague news article regarding the shooting on my social media timeline and then a few mentions, but nothing truly depicting the grave nature of it. In addition to the Jersey City shooting, there are probably many more shootings that I am unaware of because they are not publicized as much anymore. This normalization of gun violence massacres is a dangerous trend that is leaning society towards a norm that should never be established. Gun violence is not normal and it should never be portrayed or considered as such. It is up to us as a society to keep talking and to keep making noise when it comes to gun violence because the only way to change a problem is to ensure its prominence in the minds of the American public.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43244
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
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27196
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952143
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

143680
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments