What We're Reading: Get the Facts on Gun Violence

Gun violence is a terrible and growing problem throughout the United States. As gun manufacturers and other advocates promote false narratives about guns saving lives, educators, students, and families need trustworthy, accessible information. Thomas Gabor, coauthor of American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence, partnered with artist and author Violet Lemay to produce an illustrated guide to gun facts that’s engaging for youth and adults alike. Here, we share an excerpt from the preface plus two pages to show the compelling graphics.

–EDITORS

America is beset with unprecedented levels of gun violence. Gunfire now accounts for nearly 50,000 fatalities a year, and the number of mass shootings has doubled over what they were in the 2010s, with an average of nearly two per day. Over half of all Americans have been personally touched by gun violence, and close to a third avoid certain public settings due to the fear of getting shot.

Misinformation on gun violence, much of it promoted by the gun lobby and its allies, poses a major challenge to gun law reform, as some Americans have been influenced by their campaign to convince the public that guns in the home, gun carrying, and permissive laws, such as those allowing gun carrying without a permit, will make the country safer. There are real-world consequences to this campaign, as more Americans are carrying guns on a daily basis, many more are purchasing assault weapons today, and more gun owners are keeping their firearms loaded and accessible in the home. These trends have had a catastrophic effect on American society. The misinformation spread by those who stand to profit from the chaos must be challenged with facts based on the most recent, credible research.

Through nontechnical language and illustrations, this book is intended for students, activists, and the general public who need to become better acquainted with all the myths surrounding gun violence and exposed to the promising strategies available to combat the scourge. A key aim of this book is to provide memorable visuals that will promote debate and discussion out in the world.