AR-15 style guns sold as a sign of manhood as shootings rise

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

AR-15 style guns sold as a sign of manhood as shootings rise

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST
July 27, 2022

WASHINGTON (AP) — Gun makers have taken in more than $1 billion from selling AR-15-style guns over the past decade, at times marketing them as a way for young men to prove their masculinity, even as the number of mass shootings increases, according to a House investigation unveiled Wednesday.

The weapons have been used in massacres that have horrified the nation, including one that left 10 people dead at a grocery store in Buffalo and another where 19 children and two teachers were shot to death in Uvalde, Texas.

The Committee on Oversight and Reform said some ads mimic popular first-person shooter video games or tout the weapons’ military pedigree while others claim the guns will put buyers “at the top of the testosterone food chain.”

Those sales tactics are “deeply disturbing, exploitative and reckless,” said Democratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York. “In short, the gun industry is profiting off the blood of innocent Americans.”

Gun makers, on the other hand, said AR-15-style rifles are responsible for a small portion of gun homicides and the blame must go to the shooters rather than their weapons.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/gun-manufacturers-ar-15-461e6729bef5ef5f8af0f128fbfc40be

[SWBTATTReg]

1. So, if the blame should be totally on the shooters, then an analogy in the drug war against Heroin

and other savage drugs (Meth, etc.) salvaging our population is all wrong, that we shouldn't be fighting to keep the drugs out but blame the addicts solely, keep the drugs coming?

This is exactly the perverse logic gun makers are using, that let the guns in, sell them, blame the shooters solely.

I think most logical and reasonable people would disagree, that some sort of strict guidelines, strict barriers to ownership of such powerful guns be enacted.

[sanatanadharma]

2. It is the marketing/ advertising that needs to be well-regulated

Manufacturers, distributors, sellers, and enthusiasts are all marketing guns as cool, sexy, benign, necessary to your health, well-being, and identity. Full head-to-toe weapon accessories and attire are available to personalize your preferred target hunting experience.
Guns as answer to all things is a marketing gimmick based upon the lowest base emotions (fear and domination).

There is no 2nd amendment right to gun advertising. Regulate it.

[duckworth969]

3. Spot on