The troubling gun crisis in our nation should alarm every one of us. For years, we’ve anxiously awaited congressional action. We’ve implored our leaders to implement comprehensive legislation that protects our children and families from avoidable gun violence. Despite numerous mass shootings, we find ourselves still waiting.
While we continue to urge Congress to take meaningful steps, there are actions that concerned citizens can take now to make firearms less accessible. Here are two effective approaches that don’t require congressional approval and can be initiated immediately:
1. Shift the Market
Let’s draw inspiration from the environmental health movement and rally everyday consumers to lessen the impact of guns in our society. We can encourage organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety to spearhead market campaigns targeting retailers that sell, promote, and advertise firearms. Let’s demand that major retailers such as Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and Dick’s Sporting Goods cease the sale of guns. We must insist that they prioritize the safety of our children over profit margins, becoming part of the solution rather than remaining part of the problem.
Retailers should feel the pressure to align with societal values. For instance, Target stopped selling tobacco products back in 1996, and CVS discontinued cigarette sales in 2014, stating that it conflicted with their mission to enhance people’s health. Let’s create a market environment where retailers who remove guns from their shelves are recognized for their progressive and competitive stance.
2. Engage Locally
Mobilize the rational voices within your community and engage with your city council. Advocate for the reduction of gun promotion, advertisement, sale, and ownership within your locality. Our aim should be to deglamorize firearms, making them less accessible and prevalent. Collaborate with local schools, legislators, businesses, and youth to discover ways to instigate local change.
If we can legislate against single-use plastics and styrofoam, surely we have the capacity to regulate firearms. Just as we have restricted tobacco advertising, we should demand the same for guns. Encourage local media and newspapers to discontinue gun promotions and advertisements—a practice that many outlets adopted with tobacco long ago.
As a parent of young children, I find it heartbreaking to worry about their safety at school. How have we normalized such fears in our society? Having experienced the loss of a child myself, I refuse to remain passive as more families suffer due to preventable gun violence.
We possess the power to incite change. Let’s raise our voices, shift the market, and become active in our communities. Boycott retailers that sell and promote guns, participate in marches, and support organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety. If you own firearms, ensure they are secured from those who may act impulsively, and join the call for sensible laws to mitigate gun violence. The time for action is now.
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In summary, we must recognize our ability to influence change regarding gun sales in our communities. By shifting market dynamics and taking local action, we can work towards a safer future for our families.