Are mass shootings an American problem?
Columbine, Virginia Tech, Tucson, Aurora. A report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has identified 78 public mass shootings in the United States since 1983. Over 547 people were killed and another 476 people were injured (Bjelopera et al. 2013). In addition, there are also indications that the frequency of mass shootings has increased dramatically in recent years. Since the beginning of the 20th century, a strong positive trend has been observed (Lopez/Sukumar n.d.). As a result of these developments, mass shootings have grown into a subject of major debate on new national legislation to address the problem.
Table of Contents
1. Definition of the term
2. American gun culture
3. The National Rifle Association
4. Republicans vs Democrats
5. American gun ownership and rates
6. American strains
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay explores the complex phenomenon of mass shootings in the United States, investigating the intersection of gun culture, political polarization, and the psychological state of perpetrators. It examines whether these tragic events are uniquely American, analyzing the influence of the National Rifle Association, the role of political discourse between Republicans and Democrats, and the underlying societal pressures that may contribute to such violent acts.
- Analysis of the definition and patterns of public mass shootings.
- Examination of the historical and constitutional roots of American gun culture.
- Investigation of the influence and political lobbying of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
- Evaluation of the political divide between Republicans and Democrats regarding gun control legislation.
- Exploration of the psychological impact of societal strains and the "American Dream" on potential perpetrators.
Excerpt from the Book
6. American strains
One explanation for the higher probability of mass shootings could be the increased strain potential of Americans. Although the population of other countries also suffers from stress and strain, it seems to be a greater phenomenon in America (Lankford 2016). According to surveys, 81 percent of American high school students want a well-paid job until they are 25 years old. Almost a third of all freshmen at college expect to earn a PhD or MD, and 26 percent of students expect to be famous one day (Barna 2010; Schneider/Stevenson 1999; Twenge 2014). In general, fame is revered and sought in America and seems to be very important to Americans (Pinsky/Young 2008; Sternheimer 2011; Twenge/Campbell 2009; Twenge 2014).
Shaped by the wishes of the parents and their personal environment, the most of them will never achieve these goals (Twenge 2014) which can lead to exaggerated fears, hostility, neuroses, depression and antisocial behaviour (Merton 1938). Many of these psychological illnesses also affect the mass shooters who try to counteract their failure and the negative social interactions with large public mass shootings in order to finally gain attentation, fame and recognition through the high media coverage (Lankford 2013). The public attention seems to satisfy their unfulfilled dreams and give them a sense of power what they always longed for.
Chapter Summaries
1. Definition of the term: This chapter establishes a formal definition of mass shootings based on FBI criteria, noting the lack of a specific pattern in victim selection.
2. American gun culture: This section discusses the historical and constitutional foundations of gun ownership in the United States and its deep integration into the American value system.
3. The National Rifle Association: This chapter examines the NRA as a powerful interest group that influences gun policy through lobbying, campaign donations, and political voter mobilization.
4. Republicans vs Democrats: This chapter outlines the divergent legislative approaches and ideological positions held by the two major political parties regarding gun control.
5. American gun ownership and rates: This section correlates high rates of gun ownership in the U.S. with increased instances of firearm-related deaths and mass shootings compared to other nations.
6. American strains: This chapter analyzes how societal pressure, unfulfilled expectations, and the pursuit of fame contribute to the psychological distress often found in mass shooters.
7. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes potential solutions, including stricter background checks and a fundamental shift in American cultural values regarding success.
Keywords
Mass shootings, Gun control, Second Amendment, National Rifle Association, American gun culture, Political polarization, Republicans, Democrats, Social strain, Psychological factors, Public safety, Firearm ownership, Societal expectations, Violence, Prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this essay?
The essay investigates the phenomenon of mass shootings in the United States, analyzing the societal, political, and psychological factors that contribute to their frequency.
What are the primary thematic fields covered in the work?
The core themes include American gun culture, the lobbying power of the National Rifle Association, legislative differences between political parties, and the impact of social strain on individuals.
What is the primary research goal of this paper?
The goal is to determine if mass shootings are a specifically American problem and to examine the interplay between gun access and social/psychological catalysts for violence.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a comparative analysis of existing reports, studies, and data from organizations like the FBI, the Congressional Research Service, and various sociological and criminological researchers.
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The body chapters detail the legal and cultural foundations of gun ownership, the political dynamics of the NRA, comparisons of international gun laws, and the psychological impact of the "American Dream."
Which keywords characterize the work?
The work is defined by terms such as mass shootings, gun control, NRA, social strain, and political policy.
How does the NRA influence American gun legislation?
The NRA influences legislation primarily through significant financial contributions to political campaigns, lobbying efforts in Washington, and by mobilizing voters based on their stance on gun rights.
What is the link between "American strains" and mass shootings?
The author argues that high societal pressure to achieve success, combined with the reality of failure for many, creates psychological distress that some individuals attempt to alleviate through the notoriety of mass shootings.
Do international studies support the author's arguments?
Yes, the author references studies from Canada and other nations showing that restricted access and lower availability of firearms correlate with lower rates of homicide and suicide.
- Citation du texte
- Paula Sambale (Auteur), 2020, Are mass shootings an American problem?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/925364
