Fatal error

Ralph Yarl rang the wrong doorbell and was shot twice. Somehow he survived. Kaylin Gillis did not. She was shot dead when she drove up the wrong driveway.

A man fired at two cheerleaders when one accidentally got into his car. A six-year-old girl was seriously injured by gunfire when her ball rolled into a neighbour's garden.

Mass shootings make news. But these smaller incidents cause most gun-related deaths.¹

But why are so many shooting at young people doing harmless things?

The issue divides America. The US is the only country with more guns than people. Gun owners say the US ConstitutionA document that sets out the fundamental rules according to which a country is governed, which are usually difficult to change. protects their right to self-defence.² Critics say only stricter controls can stop the killing.

However some rules have been relaxed. New "stand your ground" laws permit "deadly force" in response to the fear of violent attack.

But these young people were lost and unarmed, not dangerous criminals. Why did these men feel threatened?

Age and race play a role. Gun murder is the biggest cause of death among young Black men.³ But many see this as the result of a society ruled by fear.

In the 1970s, 50% thought people were trustworthy. Now, less than a third think so. And even when crime falls, most Americans think society is becoming less safe.

Some experts blame the media. "We get 24 hours a day of all the dangers out there," argues expert Warren Eller. SociologistSomeone who studies human social behaviour. Modern sociology was developed by European thinkers in the 19th century, but it is also based on the writings of African American thinkers like W. E. B. DuBois. Barry Glassner says a video of one incident "stays in your mind" long after the facts are forgotten.

Glassner says politicians stoke these fears. "You're not going to be scared anymore," Trump told supporters in 2016. "They're going to be scared." Fear wins elections.

But maybe hope can too? One poll shows 40% fear being a victim of gun violence.⁴ As the issue gets worse, voters will look to politicians for solutions.

Yes:  It is a vicious cycle of fear and violence. Incidents replayed by the media are weaponised by politicians. Trust evaporates, replaced by mutual suspicion, and everyone comes to expect more violence.

No: This is only part of the picture. Communities come together to mourn their loss and take to the streets to demand change. They are not afraid but courageous in their fight for a safer society.

Or... It is complicated. America is a nation of immigrants who fled fear of persecutionIll treatment and oppression, especially due to a person's beliefs or race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or other factors. and poverty to build a country based on freedom from fear. Defending this freedom has created a society ruled by fear.