Caught in The Crossfire
Caught in the Crossfire
There are many sides to the gun control issue in the United States. One
that is missing from many forums is that of black America. Contrary to
popular opinion, Americans of African origin hunt and participate in all
aspects of shooting sports. The difference is though collectively they
are caught in the crossfire of a gun control politics, mistrust and
survival. I view the battle for the Second Amendment from the viewpoint
of an urban male. I struggle everyday to defend all of my constitutional
rights from people who perceive me as a dangerous threat to their
safety. The issues of rights, guns, and freedom have a hard time
filtering through this daily barrage of indecency still prevalent in our
society of profiling, racism and stupidity.
Proponents of gun control and those African Americans who support them
do a disservice to all people of color. Leaders in the black community
promoting the surrender of the right to keep and bear arms represent no
collective inters but their own. Savvy business people dupe these
leaders into sponsoring “gun-amnesty days” or “toys for guns” for their
own monetary gains. It is a slick promotion. Use the gun issue to
promote your business. Elitists fear the thought of firearms being owned
by the average citizen. It always has been that way. From England to
Japan only the ruling party can own arms. Elitist use targeted
advertising to persuade the mothers of black children that disarmament
of law abiding African American citizens is the solution to crime.
When a person of color goes into a shoe store, a police station, or a
church to turn in a gun for cash, gifts, or clothing, that individual is
selling himself or herself short. On a psychological level, they are
surrendering the only tools enabling them to protect themselves and
their loved ones.
— Ken Blanchard
