Depiction of Gun Violence in Political Cartoon

A largely controversial topic has been in the minds of many, especially after mass shootings in schools and public areas. 'Should we have stricter gun laws?' There are two sides of this argument. One says that everyone has their 2nd amendment right to bear arms and protect themselves. The other side says that there needs to be more restrictions on who has access to these weapons and more protections for people. There have been many studies and analytics that point out that mass shooters tend to have mental health issues. This then brings up the question, 'should those with mental illness have access to guns?'

One political cartoon, published by The Washington Post addresses this controversial subject. In the cartoon there is a child sitting and above the words read, 'When I was a child, I hid as a child, I hoped as a child, I prayed as a child.' The other side of the cartoon reads, 'When my government didn't protect me, I put away childish things.' This political cartoon is telling the reader that this is a serious issue. It is saying that when I was a child I acted as a child, but now that there is serious issues happening I cannot act like a child anymore. It is telling the reader that we need to stick up for what is right and help to end this issue. This means that government needs to step in and take responsibility and control of the situation.

Another political cartoon posted by USA Today, makes a political stance on this issue. It shows the NRA holding up a sign that says, ' Guns don't kill people people kill people!' Next to the NRA man is a skeleton representing big pharma holding up a sign that says, 'Opioids don't kill people people kill people!' The skeleton has a word bubble that says 'Amen Brother!' The skeleton representing big pharma also has cash spilling out of its pockets. This cartoon is making the statement that the large corporations such as the NRA and big pharma do not care about the well-being of people. Instead they care about what is going to make them the most money. Thus, instead of taking ownership and responsibility for their contributions to the problem, they will blame whoever they can.

An article by APA.org spoke of the importance of psychology and its role in this controversial issue. It speaks to the causes of someone using a firearm on themselves or others. The article addresses how developmental factors and environmental factors increase the chance of someone using a firearm. It takes a stand on gun control through the psychological perspective. At the end of this article, it also makes it clear to the reader that this is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. It tells us that firearm prohibitions for high risk groups have proven to reduce gun violence.

Overall, I believe that gun violence is a serious issue in our country that needs to be addressed right away. I believe there should be stricter gun control laws that make it nearly impossible for a person who has mental illness to have access to guns. I believe this will significantly reduce the amount of mass shootings and other acts of violence with guns. In conclusion, it is important that this political issue be resolved to help protect citizens from further loss and tragedies.

References

1. Cavna, Michael. “Perspective | The Seven Types of Political Cartoons You'll See about Gun Control.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 27 Apr. 2019
2. “Editorial Cartoons on Gun-Control Debate.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 1 Jan.
3. American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association