Guns and No Roses

When there is little information, understanding becomes difficult.

But almost anything makes sense with more information.

Many life encounters are influenced by psychological, spiritual or sociological factors.

In recent months, there have been several shooting incidents at establishments.

To truly understand this, we first need to look deeper into the shooters’ perspective.

It is important to explore what may have led them to that point, why they had access to firearms in the first place, and ultimately the consequences of their actions.

First we need to understand what causes someone to shoot another person.

There may be many reasons why someone would want to shoot another person during what appears to be a simple dispute.

However, what seems simple to you is often not simple to the person taking the action. As mentioned earlier, such actions are often rooted in psychological, spiritual or sociological struggles.

I know of many scenarios were people got shot for what seemed like minor reasons.

On the surface, these may appear to be small issues, certainly not reasons to shoot someone. Yet they still resulted in violence.

To better understand this, we must try to consider the mindset of the shooter.

For someone to shoot another person at close range over a minor issue, they themselves are probably going through significant internal struggles.

The incident with the victim may simply be the final trigger, the breaking point due to deep frustration.

Life on its own can be very difficult. Many people face psychological, spiritual and other sort of challenges which could result in such behaviour.

Secondly, people own firearms for different reasons, but access generally happens in three main ways.

First, there are many illegal firearms circulating on the streets, and some people obtain them through that route.

Second, some individuals inherit firearms from family members.

Third, others purchase them legally, which is the safest and most regulated way, but also the most difficult because of the requirements and background checks involved.

Many people believe owning a firearm would protect them.

In reality, it can often do the opposite and place them in greater danger. Once you own a gun, it is there, and the possibility of using it becomes bigger.

In most situations, people do not actually need a firearm. Some may justify it by saying it is for protection or for the kind of business they are in, but more often it serves as a tool of intimidation a way to signal that others should not interfere with them.

The intention is not to use it, but simply to have it. Owning a gun just carries serious risks so if you can avoid it, avoid it.

The presence of a firearm increases the chances that when there is conflict, a moment of anger or a stressful situation can quickly escalate into something irreversible that would haunt you for a lifetime.

Thirdly, the consequences of using a firearm can be devastating. Whether the target dies or survives, the legal and personal consequences would follow and no lawyer can simply make it disappear.

To protect yourself and your future, avoid carrying or using a firearm unless it is necessary and lawful.

Firearms are not meant for everyday situations or conflicts that can be resolved in other ways. In most cases, their presence only increases the risk of harm rather than providing safety.

If robbers enter your home, or if you find yourself in danger while hiking, the law will take the circumstances into account when determining whether the use of a firearm was justified.

However, using or owning a firearm in places where alcohol is being consumed could get you in serious legal trouble.

To everyone out there: Never take your firearm to shebeens, clubs or entertainment venues.

These are places where emotions run high.

If you own a firearm, the safest place for it is secured at home.

– Meneer_SK is a passionate voice for men, advocating on issues that matter to men. Follow him on Instagram: @Meneer_SK

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