Mass Violence/Firearm Violence
Part 1 (400 words):
Much like your readings this week, the discussion board question is also a choose-your-own-adventure style assignment. There are related weekly readings for each of these, but you are not required to select them as your optional readings.
Pick one of the following areas to research and write approximately 400 words with relation to the topic of youth gangs (how the youth is involved in gang violence):
– Common Perpetrator Characteristics/Risks
– Methods of Remedies, Relief, or Reconciliation Post-Violence
– Criticisms of the standing practice or law. Can approach this from a standpoint of common defenses, legal, moral, theoretical, or philosophical arguments. For systemic issues, you may use common arguments against the existence of the issue itself.
No matter which you choose, you MUST cite your source(s) of information (don’t just offer your personal opinion, ideas, or criticisms).
Make sure you identify which you’ve chosen and your topic at the beginning of your post.
Part 2 (700 words):
Reflect on the concepts discussed in the readings. You should incorporate all of the readings.
You do not need to provide summaries, but it should be clear to that you read the material. You may still choose to do a short summary with a balanced reflection for each reading, if that’s easiest for you. You can also choose to do a hybrid organization style. For example: If you want to frame firearm readings with a common theme using the readings as support and then do mass violence as a separate summary/reflection, that works.
Web Sources:
https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2017/06/22/americas-complex-relationship-with-guns/
https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/ (to compare with mother jones map)
https://www.oyez.org/cases/2007/07-29
Part 1
Methods of Remedies, Relief, or Reconciliation Post-Violence
Post-violence communities may experience higher levels of violent crimes as compared to attacks that were present during the conflict. It is expected that the conflicting groups will reconcile when the violence is put to an end, but it is not always the case. Most times, violence is halted through negotiations that are all-encompassing as it is not possible to follow up on individual hostilities that were committed at the time (Staub 2006, p.868). The youth play a key role in post-violence transformation as they are compelled to address the crimes against them and engage in peace-building processes. Some may feel the urge to avenge the wrongs done to their community during the conflict hence prolonging the violence.
The need to strategize on appropriate remedies, relief and reconciliation methods is essential to peace-building. One of the remedies to post-violence is to minimize the widespread availability of arms among the youth. While the Second Amendment allows Americans to possess firearms for self-defense, most youths do not qualify for such rights. A decreased number of guns on the streets will ensure that an equal decline occurs in post-violence crimes. The troubling times the youth experience post-violence should be addressed by relief strategies such as adequate social services, infrastructure and employment. Keeping the youth busy will ensure that they do not have the time to worry and plot against each other. Such an approach will also aid in preventing youth gang activities such as recruitments and participation in crimes. Adequate social services and infrastructure should also cater to the needs of the youths and improve their living standards after the conflict. Poor living conditions will only motivate youths to join gangs in hopes of facilitating for their families. Reconciliation plays the role of understanding the root of the problem. As mentioned earlier, post-violence crimes occur due to the impossibility of negotiating leaders to address each crime that occurred. Regardless, youth gangs may continue to attack each other until their issues are resolved. Truth justice and contact between groups are some of the suggested reconciliation methods to exercise intervention (Staub 2006, p.867). Bottom-up approaches within the community should be undertaken to reconcile the youths, while top-down approaches are used to mediate youth leaders.
Overall, working with youth is crucial during post-violence reconciliation in the hopes of peace-building. The involvement of youths in gangs after a conflict may result from various economic and situational disadvantages that force them to join criminal groups. Ensuring the youth receive proper attention will help keep them busy and discourage their irrational decisions. Reconciliation is more of a psychological avenue, according to Straub (2006), hence the need to study the changes within the affected society and provide points of healing as a crucial reconciliation component.
Part 2
Reading Concepts
Firearm Violence
After numerous studies from material provided by scholars, it is fair to agree that the United States of America does indeed have a complex relationship with guns. There are numerous reasons why Americans will defend their cause to possess a firearm. Unfortunately, this pride has recently been tainted over the increasing number of firearm violence. Gun-related violence has increased, and so have the policies governing the possession of a firearm (Parker et al. 2017, para 1). Guns have been normalized in America, and it is evident as per research that shows a large fraction of Americans have grown up in households with guns, shot a gun, and have friends who own guns. It is clear that America has a firearm culture, and only a third of the population claimed they were not interested in owning a gun. According to Parker et al. (2017, para 10-11), Americans tend to associate gun ownership to freedom showing the deep connection they have with their firearms. 74% of gun owners, as well as 35% of non-gun owners, find common ground when they agree that the right to own a gun is an identity for Americans.
The constitution as well has encouraged Americans to own a firearm by giving them the right to firearm ownership. Under the second Amendment, guns are considered as a right to individuals who need means for self-defense. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), it was unconstitutional to restrict the licensing of handguns and keep the ones at home nonfunctional. In a 5-4 ruling, the court found that there should be no limitations to the operative clause of the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment is meant to protect Americans by giving them a chance to face confrontation. Sadly, the rate of gun violence in America is on the rise despite the constitutional right. According to GVA (2020), the number of gun violence deaths in 2020 alone are currently at 25, 683. Homicides rating at 10,899 and suicides at 14,784. These numbers are on the rise every day, each year having more casualties than the other. Recently, it was found that there is a high chance that firearm owners are likely to shoot themselves accidentally or willingly within the first two years. These are facts that any American should consider before buying and storing a firearm at their home. As much as gun ownership is a right, firearm violence is on the rise, and there is a need to take precautions.
Mass Violence
Mass shootings have been at the top of the list for gun violence since the perpetrators of the crime have been targeting unsuspecting individuals. There seem to be little or no criteria to which the offenders choose their victims as, in most cases, they often spray public areas with bullets. I believe that mass shootings can be linked to the ready availability of guns. With the ease of purchasing a gun, anyone can own one and execute their ideas. It is very difficult to pinpoint the exact individuals who may carry out mass shootings since they have no evident plan. The ease of owning a gun alongside individuals who are angry, extremists, or mentally unstable heightens the risks for mass shootings (Follman et al. 2020, para 1). The Second Amendment’s right to allow Americans possession of firearms can be attributed to the easy access of guns. Considering the firearm culture in America, disturbed people can acquire guns by stealing from friends or family. According to the Pew Research Study (Parker et al. 2017, para 3), statistics show that a large percentage of Americans know friends with a gun or grew up in a homestead with a gun.
Besides random mass shootings, gun violence within the country often leads to post-violence that may require reconciliation. Examples from the genocide in Rwanda show that even after negotiations, there may be underlying issues that compel the violence to continue. America, in this case, should consider reconciliation strategies after mass violence to maintain peace within the community. Mass shootings often claim the lives of more than three lives (Follman et al., 2020, para 1). Such actions by a random person may result in retaliating reactions within the community if not addressed appropriately. The broader problem of gun violence often causes post-violence effects that require a reconciliation of all affected parties.
References
District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008)
Follman, M., Aronsen, G., & Pan, D. (2020). A guide to Mass Shootings in America. Retrieved from https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/07/mass-shootings-map/
GVA. (2020). Gun Violence Archive 2020: Evidence Based Research since 2013. Retrieved from https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/
Parker, K., Horowitza, J., Igielnik, R., Oliphant, J., & Brown A. (2017). America’s Complex Relationship with Guns. Retrieved from https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2017/06/22/americas-complex-relationship-with-guns/
Staub, E. (2006). Reconciliation after genocide, mass killing, or intractable conflict: Understanding the roots of violence, psychological recovery, and steps toward a general theory. Political psychology, 27(6), 867-894.
