Gun control and the statistics behind America's love affair with guns | The Economist
- 5 years ago
On the opening day of the Nation's Gun Show, one of the largest shows in the US, we delve into the data on American gun ownership
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Around 33,000 people are killed by guns in America every year. The number one cause of gun-related death is suicide, followed by homicide and accident.
In America, 25 children are killed by guns on average every week. After major shootings, gun sales increase as do gun manufacturer's stock prices.
These sales are partly driven by a fear that increased regulation will make it harder to access guns. In 1977 around 50% of households owned guns. Nearly 40 years later, this figure was down to 31%. Behind these figures lie the super-owners. This tiny group of gun enthusiasts form just 3% of the American adult population, but they hold nearly half the guns in the country, on average 17 each.
In December 2012, the end of Obama's first term as president 20 children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School by a lone shooter. The tragedy prompted a national outcry.
In a poll taken a month after the massacre, 91% of Americans said they would support a measure requiring criminal background checks for gun sales. President Obama called on the nation to demand a Congress brave enough to stand up to the gun lobby. But Congress did not pass any of Obama's gun control laws.
At state level, Republican controlled legislatures enacted more laws loosening gun control than tightening it. Many Americans believe that firearms are the cornerstone of political liberty, and with Republican control of Congress, and the White House, federal gun laws will not be tightening any time soon.
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Around 33,000 people are killed by guns in America every year. The number one cause of gun-related death is suicide, followed by homicide and accident.
In America, 25 children are killed by guns on average every week. After major shootings, gun sales increase as do gun manufacturer's stock prices.
These sales are partly driven by a fear that increased regulation will make it harder to access guns. In 1977 around 50% of households owned guns. Nearly 40 years later, this figure was down to 31%. Behind these figures lie the super-owners. This tiny group of gun enthusiasts form just 3% of the American adult population, but they hold nearly half the guns in the country, on average 17 each.
In December 2012, the end of Obama's first term as president 20 children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School by a lone shooter. The tragedy prompted a national outcry.
In a poll taken a month after the massacre, 91% of Americans said they would support a measure requiring criminal background checks for gun sales. President Obama called on the nation to demand a Congress brave enough to stand up to the gun lobby. But Congress did not pass any of Obama's gun control laws.
At state level, Republican controlled legislatures enacted more laws loosening gun control than tightening it. Many Americans believe that firearms are the cornerstone of political liberty, and with Republican control of Congress, and the White House, federal gun laws will not be tightening any time soon.
Daily Watch: mind-stretching short films throughout the working week.
For more from Economist Films visit: http://films.economist.com/
Check out The Economist’s full video catalogue: http://econ.st/20IehQk
Like The Economist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEconomist/
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