Opinion | Gun violence is coming for us all
By Grace Nordini & Madeline Southern
Illustration by Caroline Linton, Opinions Editor
The content of this article discusses sensitive topics related to gun violence, which may be triggering or distressing for some readers. This article aims to provide informative perspectives on a complex issue. Readers are encouraged to approach the material with an open mind and seek support if needed.
This piece was written by the president, Gracie Nordini, and vice president, Madeline Southern, of Students Demand Action. The club focuses on gun violence prevention through education, outreach, advocacy, legislation, and grassroots organizing. The views expressed in this piece are not a reflection of the national Students Demand Action organization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finalized their data for causes of death in 2022 of teens and children, and gun violence was at the top of the list. Beyond just being the leading cause of death for teens and children, which in itself is incredibly concerning, the effects of gun violence on domestic violence rates against women is alarming. This is an issue that affects every single one of us, and the upcoming election is going to determine how much longer we will let this epidemic continue.
From Gracie:
Gun violence is the number one killer of teens in America. As a student, shock is overpowered by initial feelings of anger, disappointment, and grief. In the transition from elementary to middle school, all of a sudden, typical middle school fears were dismissed by fear of safety and constant anxiety of headlines becoming reality. When did fire drills turn into active shooter drills? And when did teachers start having to think about protecting their students in a life-or-death situation instead of teaching them how to read? I, like many students in this generation, am too familiar with the instant panic that arises from hearing the school lockdown alarm, hoping that it is only a drill. Despite this difficult reality, I am hopeful. In 2018, I had the privilege of experiencing authentic progression toward change. Students at my middle school organized a school-wide walkout in response to the Parkland school shooting earlier that year. Hundreds of students, teachers, and staff walked out onto the field to form the shape of a heart, where we spent 17 minutes of silence honoring the lives lost in the shooting. This was a very emotional and memorable experience, witnessing the power of change that is fostered through unity. It's in our hands. Our voice and commitment have the capacity to enact change. We must come together and choose a future that prioritizes safety and well-being. We must continue to take a stand against gun violence and demand action.
From Madeline:
Growing up as a woman, I have always been aware of the dangers that being a woman can bring in society. Recently, though, I’ve come to realize just how close these dangers are to my life. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women will experience domestic violence at some point. Even if I’m not personally affected, who will be? My best friend? My cousins? If I have a daughter one day, will she? These concerns deepen when considering the role of guns in domestic violence. CDC data shows that in America, 76 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner every month. A 2003 study in the American Journal of Public Health found that if a domestic abuser has access to a gun, it makes it five times more likely that they will kill their female partner. The statistics are alarming, but I want to end on a hopeful note. We can take action on this issue; it is within our control. One candidate in the upcoming presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris, has outlined policies aimed at limiting access to guns for dangerous individuals and banning assault weapons. Harris is not seeking to ban all guns; rather, she aims to ensure that firearms designed for mass harm are kept out of the wrong hands. The election is less than a week away. As you prepare to vote, I urge you to remember that this issue affects us all.
This article and accompanying media was submitted by an independent student. If you are interested in having your work featured in The Panther, reach out to pantheropinions@chapman.edu.