The alarming gun violence epidemic in our nation should provoke serious concern among all citizens. For years, we have awaited action from our legislative bodies, urging them to implement comprehensive regulations to safeguard our children and families from avoidable gun-related incidents. Despite numerous mass shootings, we find ourselves still in a state of inaction.
Immediate Actions Individuals Can Take
While we continue to press Congress for change, there are immediate actions that individuals can take to limit access to firearms. Here are two approaches that do not hinge on legislative approval and can be initiated today:
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Influence the Market
We can draw inspiration from the environmental health movement and rally consumers to reduce the prevalence of guns in retail environments. Let’s encourage organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety to spearhead campaigns aimed at retailers that endorse the sale and marketing of firearms. We need to call on major retailers such as Walmart, Big 5, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Dick’s Sporting Goods to cease their gun sales. Our voices should demand that these companies prioritize the safety of our children over profit margins, positioning themselves as part of the solution rather than perpetuating the issue.Retailers like Target halted the sale of tobacco products back in 1996, and CVS made a similar decision in 2014, stating that selling cigarettes contradicted their mission of promoting health. We must exert pressure on the market, encouraging retailers who choose to remove firearms from their inventory to be recognized as leaders in social responsibility.
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Mobilize Locally
Gather the rational voices in your community and engage with local government officials. Work toward the prohibition of gun promotion, sales, and advertisements within your city limits. It’s critical to diminish the glamor associated with firearms and make them less accessible. Collaborate with school boards, local businesses, and community members—especially students—to explore avenues for local change.If municipalities can regulate single-use plastic bags and styrofoam containers, surely they can also legislate the sale of firearms. Similarly, if we can impose restrictions on tobacco advertising, we must advocate for analogous measures in the context of firearms. Let’s encourage local media outlets to cease their promotion of guns, following the example of many newspapers that stopped accepting tobacco advertisements in the past.
As a parent of young children, I find myself anxious about their safety in schools, a worry that has become unacceptably commonplace in our society. Having experienced the unimaginable loss of a child, I cannot remain passive as more families endure similar heartache due to preventable gun violence.
We are not without power. Let’s raise our voices, leverage market influence, and become active participants in our communities. Boycott businesses that sell and promote guns. Participate in advocacy marches. Support organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety. For gun owners, it’s essential to ensure firearms are kept away from individuals in distress and to advocate for sensible legislation that addresses gun violence. The time for action is now, and we must all play a role.
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In summary, by mobilizing as informed citizens and advocating for responsible practices in our communities and markets, we can collectively influence change regarding gun access and safety.