The Age of the African American Gunman
The racial climate of our nation places a microscope on the hostile policing of African Americans. This grim reality has evoked black rage and caused many to embrace the Second Amendment actively. The murder of innocent African Americans could make gun ownership the difference between life or death.
The Second Amendment protects the right of all Americans to bear arms for protection from other private citizens and government tyranny. History shows; however, the Framers didn’t have African Americans in mind when they framed the Second Amendment. The Framers feared that gun ownership for African Americans would lead to more slave insurrections. This white fear became mute with the eradication of slavery and Jim Crow segregation. African Americans are now free to own firearms.
African Americans must realize the system has historically attempted to disarm them against white power. But, the staggering increase of black bloodshed in recent years by overt racists has convinced many African Americans to become gun owners. This interest in gun ownership by an increasing number of African Americans is excellent news because significant is the disparity of gun ownership between African Americans and whites. It’s much worse than the media reports. Therefore, there must be a national call to expand Black gun ownership. African Americans must arm themselves and become informed on firearms laws.
Another motivation for African Americans to become gun owners should be the racist rhetoric and chaotic presidency of Donald Trump. He has emboldened his supporters to express their inward prejudice. Consequently, whites are progressively harassing African Americans at banks, grocery stores, parks, coffee shops, and many other places. In some cases, the harassment became violent.
Imperative in this moment is that African Americans arm themselves. Without arming themselves, African Americans send the wrong message to white America. They signify to white America it’s acceptable to harass and continue murdering African Americans. This message will cause increased bloodshed for African Americans. In the words of Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, “ The time has come for African Americans to arm themselves against this terror before it is too late.”
In conclusion, America has always been a deeply racist nation. However, as we said above, the election of Trump has fanned the flames of racist animus. His propensity to divide Americans rather than unite the country creates a dangerous and explosive atmosphere. Some whites, following Trump’s lead, seem to be preparing for a race war. They had already started buying guns in droves when the nation elected and re-elected Obama. That trend increased with Trump in office. African Americans must follow suit and dramatically increase gun ownership. But with increased gun ownership, comes increased responsibility and an increased need to become educated about gun laws.
Leave a Reply