Term 2 week 6 task 4

Should guns be banned in the United States?

Should guns be banned in the United States? On the 16 April 2007, Cho Seung Hui, a South Korean American permanent resident, shot 32 fellow schoolmates and wounded many before turning the gun at himself. Before the gunman shot himself, he handed over a video type to the media. This video has broadcasted globally. This gunshot had left the world crying. Many have being debating over the loose freedom of American citizens and whether or not the video should be broadcasted across countries. In America, the legal age for possessing a gun is as young as twelve of age. It is such a young age that, even in Singapore, it is consider a child. So the question is: are children allowed to have guns? Is this a sensible way of self-defending? I personally do not agree. Let us put it this way, does a child know what a gun can do? Does he also know that the gun they possess is not a toy? Many may even treat it as a toy gun and start to play with their friends. Young children possessing a personal gun may just shoot at their friends over minor issues as a form of “punishment”. Little do they know how danger it is to carry a gun with them? In the perspective of the adults, having a gun, be it self-defense or otherwise, is a threat too. Adults though know that it is illegal to shoot someone may just do it at the expense of impulsion. They usually cannot control their emotions and commit crimes that are irreversible. This totally defeats the purpose of possessing a gun.

To defense oneself, it does not necessarily have to carry a gun. Learning of martial arts or other protective exercises do help. In addition, image if everyone in the United States carries a gun around, they may just use it in an inappropriate way, resulting in more and more killings. This will only bring about social unrest. Thus ii think that the possessing of guns in America should strictly prohibited by law.

Next come the controversial topic: should the video and images of the victims be shown to the public? Personally, I am against the idea. The video, self-recorded by the gunman, contained violent speech that is a negative example to many young audiences out there. Audiences who do not have a strong will may think that what the gunman did was right. Some may even take pity on him for committing the deadliest offence. Young kids watching the video may think that it is “cool” to operate a gun. Others may find the images gross and disturbing. To the loved ones of the victims, it is just like spreading salt on their wounds, contributing more to their sorrow. I think this is very unfair to the families and friends of the victims. Watching the video and images of the victims can be disgust to many because of the bloody bodies captured.

Next, broadcasting the images and video of the incident will lead to many potential melancholies from carrying out the same dreadful offence. People who are unhappy with the society or are being discriminated will think that it is an effective way to vent their anger. It acts as a villain to others. Since the gunshot had brought the world together in discuss the incident, autistics who are sick in the mind may find it a way to draw the attention of the whole world. This is bloodcurdling. Ergo, I see an immediate withdrawal of the images worldwide.

According to CNN, Cho Seung Hui was suspected to be suffering from depression and autism. His fellow classmates were to hold responsible for the gunshot. They called Cho names like “china guy” and “question mark kid”
. The classmates of his did not show care and concern for him, worse still, discriminated him and ostracized him. The tragedy would not have taken place if the students were to be more sensitive towards their friend. If at the minimal, not to call him names or make fun of him. All the 32 lives would have saved if the Cho were to give enough love from the society. Thus, I urge the government and schools to educate on their people to be more empathy and caring.