The unfortunate pattern of gun violence and mass shootings are growing more frequent in American society. How did guns become such a significant part of our culture? Can common ground be found moving forward on gun policy? Experts and researchers speak on the social and legal aspects of America's connection to guns on "The Source" Wednesday at noon.
On November 7, a mass shooting at a country western-themed bar in Thousand Oaks, California killed 12 people. So far in 2018, there have been over 300 mass shootings in 36 states and thousands of other incidents ranging from unintentional shootings to defensive use.
The second amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants the right for "people to bear and keep arms." America has more guns than any other country in the world but the federal government does not have an official registry for firearms.
Differing viewpoints surrounding gun use and ownership has led to a long-standing debate about regulating firearms on the state and national level, especially in Texas where open carry is allowed.
57 percent of Americans surveyed by the Pew Research Center in 2018 say gun laws should be "more strict" – a 5 percent increase from last year's data. How wide is the partisan divide over this issue?
After the midterms elections, gun rights advocates lost some seats. Is there now room in America to find common ground for common sense gun laws? What can be done to prevent future incidents of gun violence?
Guests:
- David Yamane, professor in the department of sociology at Wake Forest University and author of "The Sociology of U.S. Gun Culture"
- Al Kauffman, professor at St. Mary's University School of Law
- Jocelyn Kiley, associate director of research for the Pew Research Center
- Abigail Abrams, co-author of "Guns Have Divided America. Here’s What Happens When 245 People Try to Meet in the Middle" for TIME Magazine
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
This interview aired on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
