I was surprised to hear on one of the most popular local Spanish-language radio stations on the Treasure Coast an ad inviting listeners to one of the activities at the largest gun show in Florida over the past 10 years.
What stands out about the commercial is the direct and suggestive language the organizers use to promote the event, casually mentioning the wide variety of guns of all types that attendees will be able to see. We must win the battle for life without guns.
The issue of guns is one of the most sensitive in cultures different from that of the United States, and for those of us who emigrated from countries with a legacy of armed violence, where access to guns is regulated.
It is also known that this is a topic of endless political and social debate in this country, where the right to bear arms is constitutionally enshrined.
Although due to factors such as unregistered guns, illegal trade, and armed conflicts, it is difficult to precisely calculate the number of civilian-owned firearms, recent research data highlights the deeply rooted gun culture in this country, with alarming figures such as 46% of the world’s civilian arsenal being in the hands of Americans.
This is not about continuing to reveal figures to worry even more, but about facing the situation by generating prevention and education strategies—not to use guns, but to limit and avoid their promotion, commercialization, and use.
It is complex to get used to the fact that in the same commercial space, a service store and a gun store can be located side by side.
Despite years of internal conflicts and high levels of armed crime, many countries considered the most violent have tried to contain violence with all types of guns.
I had mentioned in this space how, decades ago in Colombia, there was a campaign in the country’s schools promoting the idea of picking up a musical instrument instead of a gun.
They traveled through cities, giving young people and citizens who turned in their guns a musical instrument to encourage art and win the battle against violence.
This is why a different approach must be taken toward the realization of such events and activities that are promoted and, contradictorily, are quite well-attended.
It is necessary to go beyond measures like those implemented in the new school year in Florida counties for metal detection and other types of devices in middle and high schools.
More information, education, and commitment are needed—not only from citizens but also from governments that do not want to confront or decide on a debate that is endless and that daily claims more lives.
It is unacceptable that the right to self-defense by carrying a firearm should be above the primary and fundamental human right, which is the right to life that we all have.
oma66co@gmail.com
By Omaira Martínez Cardona
Colombian journalist
Image: TheObjective
