Gun control is a largely discussed issue in America. The gun control debate in America, is severely different than it is in most other countries. Nowhere else in the world is gun control nearly as controversial as it is in the United States. In most developed countries, gun control is strict and typically uncontroversial.
What makes the United States different is the Second Amendment. Well, rather the interpretation of it. The interpretation of the Second Amendment has been debated for decades. In the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, it states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Being in favor of gun control means that you are in support of legal measures intended to prevent or restrict the possession or use of guns, particularly firearms.
Being against gun control means that you are against restricting the possession or use of guns.
Below is a great video of a gun control debate that I highly suggest you watch! They have real people discussing this topic with different view points, and is great for determining your own option and also understanding others'!
The gun control debate is becoming more focused on feelings, emotions, and opinions, rather than the facts. Here are some stats about gun violence and ownership in America. All of the charts below are from the BBC News Article: America's gun culture in charts. (Click arrow for more!)
A common abbreviation will usually be heard whenever you are discussing gun rights and regulations: The N.R.A.
The N.R.A. stands for National Riffle Association.
The National Rifle Association is a gun rights advocacy group based in the United States. They are strongly against gun control, and also seen by many, as one of the three most influential lobbying groups in Washington, D.C.
"Lobby: seek to influence (a politician or public official) on an issue." - Oxford dictionary
This article from The New York Times describes How Gun Control Groups Are Catching Up to the N.R.A. I highly recommend that you read to understand the different groups!
To learn more about some of the most deadly mass shootings in modern U.S. I highly recommend looking at this article from Business Insider!
Sources -
Britannica - Gun Control in the U.S.
Written by Brian Duignan
Use of information, and main photo.
BBC - America's gun culture in charts
August 5, 2019
Use of charts and information.