Guns are the second leading cause of death for children under 18
March 16, 2021 - 8 people killed at three different spas in Atlanta, Georgia
March 22, 2021 - 10 people killed at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado
March 28, 2021 - 2 people killed in a convenience store in Essex, Maryland (with gunman's parents shot in their home)
March 31, 2021 - 4 people killed at a Real Estate office in Orange, California
April 7, 2021 - 6 people killed at their home in Rock Hill, South Carolina
April 13, 2021 - 8 people killed at FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana
These are the mass shootings that have taken place in the last month! And this doesn't include the many other shootings (less than four people) that happened during this time. It is just horrific! As a country we need to come together and look for solutions. If we're honest with ourselves, there are many reasons why these shootings take place. Getting rid of all guns will not rid us of this scourge.
Did you know that guns are the number one means of suicide in America? Not only do we need to look at how these individuals gain access to a firearm, but we need to look at what causes them to take their own life.
Books That Look At Gun Violence
Sometimes you have to read about things that are maddening, horrific and that just make you want to cry. The only way we're going to solve the problem of gun violence is if we take the time to learn about it. There are many books that look at many different aspects of gun violence and its causes. There are personal stories of those that have been affected by it. There are books that look at the media we consume and how it may be affecting individuals. They all have a place in the conversation. From poor mental health care, to violent video games and television, to the lack of personal accountability when selling and owning a firearm.
The link below list books published by Penguin Random House. It has a variety of perspectives. I have not read these books, and some will have an obvious bias towards a certain solution. Others look at what the cause of the violence might be. It's a start for those of us wanting to educate ourselves and learn about the what we can do to make a difference.
The book pictured can be found on Amazon. Common Ground: Talking about Gun Violence In America.