Key Takeaways:
• Gun culture 3.0 is rooted in collective paranoia and distrust towards government and political opponents.
• Data reveals an increasing willingness among some gun owners to justify political violence.
• New gun owners, including women, minorities, and liberals, are also recognizing potential political threats.
• Expert suggests rebuilding social cohesion and understanding as a solution to the fear and polarisation underpinning gun culture 3.0.
Emergence of Gun Culture 3.0
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, shocking tales of conspiracy theories, fear of government confiscation, and dangerous threats persisted. In the tension-filled area, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers reportedly stopped their relief work due to the risk of potential encounters with armed militia members. This escalating paranoia around guns reveals a shift in the American gun ownership narrative, described by scholars as the advent of “gun culture 3.0”.
Historical Context and Evolution
The first wave of this evolution, or gun culture 1.0, originated with firearm ownership tied to hunting and a romanticized notion of the Western frontier. The second wave or gun culture 2.0, arose from concerns about violent crime starting from the 1960s. For many gun owners, self-defense was — and continues to be — the main motivation for gun ownership.
However, the current epoch of gun culture presents a slightly altered objective — protection not only from physical danger but also from perceived political threats. This has introduced a shift towards a militia-like mentality, citing government tyranny as a significant reason for owning a firearm.
Perceptions and Expectations in Gun Culture 3.0
This evolving perception of threats and need for protection has led to justifiable concerns about potential post-election violence. Even now, there are reports of political violence in various forms – for example, the Democratic Party office in Tempe, Arizona, has allegedly been subjected to multiple shootings.
Interestingly, these fears do not translate into willingness to engage in violence among all gun owners. Certain sub-categories of gun owners, however, seem more inclined towards political violence as a justifiable action.
Understanding the New Gun Owners
Recent research reveals that amongst the new gun owners — a diverse and increasingly liberal group — 44% agree that political violence could be justifiable. The study suggests that these new owners, notably composed of women and people of color, keep guns as a protection tool during rallies and demonstrations, and from people with contrasting political beliefs, thus becoming part of the evolving gun culture 3.0.
The factors pushing them towards firearms include politico-social tensions and volatile discussions around systemic racism and police violence. As a result, the urge to regain some control and stay protected is pushing more Americans, irrespective of their political loyalties, to align themselves with the changing face of gun culture.
A Need for Deeper Understanding
However, some experts challenge the aggressive narratives around political violence and suggest potential solutions lying in understanding and reconciliation. Jennifer Carlson, director of the Center for the Study of Guns in Society at Arizona State University, outlined a strategy involving fostering curiosity and compassion for counterparts on the opposing sides of the political spectrum.
She advocates for depolarizing everyday life, calling out disinformation, and resistance against divisive behavior. Carlson is of the view that neither gun ownership nor limitations on it would address the fears and polarization that underlie gun culture 3.0. The answer, she suggests, lies in addressing our weakened ability to coexist peacefully. The complexities of the gun culture are deeply interwoven with the social fabric of the nation, indicating that the trajectory of gun culture may ultimately be a reflection of America’s broader progression or regression as a united, diverse society.