Shooters: Myths and Realities of America's Gun CulturesOxford University Press, USA, 2004 M06 10 - 224 páginas In the white-hot debate over guns and gun control in America, there is one fact on which both sides in this increasingly polarized conflict can agree: Americans love their guns. 73 million Americans own guns. This translates to 1 gun owner out of every 4 citizens, many of whom, to account for the 250 million weapons currently in circulation, own several. While these facts are undisputed, a related but different question is endlessly contested: why do Americans so love their guns? Broadly speaking, what exactly is the appeal of the gun?In this important work, Abigail Kohn immerses herself in the world of "shooters." Emphasizing that not all owners are necessarily enthusiasts, Kohn dispenses with the knee-jerk dogma and rhetoric that has too often passed for reportage to travel directly to the heart of American gun culture. Frequenting gun shops and shooting ranges, and devoting particular attention to those whose interest in weaponry extends beyond the casual, she captures in finegrained and often entertaining, yet always humane, detail how gun owners actually think and feel about their guns. Through her conversations--with cowboy action shooters at a regional match, sport shooters, hunters, with shooters of all ages and races--we hear of the "savage beauty" of a beautifully crafted long gun, of the powerful historical import owners attach to their guns, of the sense of empowerment that comes with shooting skill, and the visceral thrill of discharging a dangerous weapon. Kohn convincingly brings out the myths, norms, and beliefs of gun ownership, stressing how values such as individualism, toughness, and liberty are intricately linked with the gun and exploring how these core values connect pro-gun ideology to wider cultural and political concerns.Cutting through the cliches that link gun ownership with violent, criminal subcultures and portray shooters as "gun nuts" or potential terrorists, Abigail Kohn provides us with a lively and untainted portrait of American gun enthusiasts. |
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Página 16
... believe that society is a vi- olent place , filled with guns and people willing to use them . They believe the most responsible position is to severely restrict access to guns for just about everybody , thereby reducing everyone's ...
... believe that society is a vi- olent place , filled with guns and people willing to use them . They believe the most responsible position is to severely restrict access to guns for just about everybody , thereby reducing everyone's ...
Página 77
... believe such gun rights may add to problems of public safety . But most shooters see gun rights as a means to confer safety to individu- als and social groups ; gun rights enable individuals to protect themselves and their family ...
... believe such gun rights may add to problems of public safety . But most shooters see gun rights as a means to confer safety to individu- als and social groups ; gun rights enable individuals to protect themselves and their family ...
Página 133
... believe it exists , but also because they believe doing so will bring about change in public policy . Their reasoning seems logical : encouraging people to think about gun violence as a health problem will help depoliticize the gun ...
... believe it exists , but also because they believe doing so will bring about change in public policy . Their reasoning seems logical : encouraging people to think about gun violence as a health problem will help depoliticize the gun ...
Contenido
Guns in America | 3 |
The World of Gun Enthusiasm | 19 |
Cowboy Action Shooting | 39 |
Derechos de autor | |
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Shooters: Myths and Realities of America's Gun Cultures Abigail A. Kohn Sin vista previa disponible - 2004 |
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access to guns American history American society antigun argue argument attack bad guys basic Bay Area Bear Arms behavior believe California citizen soldier cowboy action shooting cowboy shooting criminal criminologists dangerous defensive gun discussed Dizard example fact feel female shooters feminist firearms freedom Frontier Gary Kleck Greg groups gun control advocates gun control laws gun control supporters gun crime gun culture gun debate gun enthusiasts gun owners gun ownership gun rights gun safety gun violence gun-related Guns in America handguns individuals inherent interest in guns interviewed IPSC issue kinds of guns Kleck liberal lives male shooters masculinity Million Mom March moral mythic myths particular police political position pro-gun ideology protect public health recognize responsibility safety SASS Second Amendment self-defense shooting ranges shooting sports simply social symbolic Targeting Guns University Press victimized Wild West women York