National Carry AcademyThe Changing Face of Gun Ownership in the USA
September 5, 2016
For more info on being trained as a concealed carrier, visit our “State Laws” information portal: http://www.nationalcarryacademy.com/state-laws
I would be surprised if by now we weren’t all familiar with the stereotypical gun owner: obese, white southerners flying Confederate flags and wearing tin foil hats. It’s certainly a hilarious image, and I don’t have a problem laughing at it. But, like a lot of portrayals in the media, it’s not completely true.
There is a change in the demographics of gun ownership in this country occurring. Men are still the majority of gun owners, but women are a fast growing demographic. Yes, women are quickly understanding the importance of self-defense and the joy of shooting competitions.
The statistics are quite interesting: in 2000, only 500 females were involved in the NRA’s women-only training program. That number has risen to nearly 1500 in 2014. The overall number of women who own guns increased by an incredible 77% between 2001 and 2011. Because of the trend, even feminist news websites like Jezebel have explored it. Jezebel has explained that the Facebook group Sheepdog Mamas is an online space for firearm carrying moms. It has over 6,000 members, and it’s growing daily. Combine that with the growing number of women getting hunting licenses, and it looks as if, in the future, shooting could be a woman’s thing. And that is a wonderful thing.
Things are beginning to change in regards to race, also. Many African-Americans appear to be re-discovering the joys of shooting and the traditions of their fore-bearers. The majority of black Americans support gun ownership, which is a significant jump from ten years ago. A large number of black Americans are attempting to get concealed carry permits, and holding their right to bear arms and protect themselves close to their hearts.
Overall, what does this mean for the gun owning community? It’s wonderful! The growing interest in CCW and shooting is important in regards to furthering support for the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Having a broader demographic of gun owners goes a long way to help us politically. It’s also great to see the demolition of stereotypes in our time. Because the Second Amendment is about freedom, every individual needs to be free within the community of shooters. This means, of course, that we Second Amendment enthusiasts should be fully embracing this change.
If any of us haven’t already, it’s time for us to open our hearts and minds, and to make our black friends and neighbors feel welcome. Take your friends and neighbors shooting with you. Build friendships with women at the range. Speak a friendly “hello” to the gay couple you see next time you’re skeet shooting. If we want our grandchildren to enjoy the same freedoms we do, we should be building a shooting community that looks like America as a whole.
Of course, this is just my individual opinion, and any and all discussion is welcome. Stay safe out there.
Nancy Thorne is founder and principal of Thorne Business Research. With more than 30 years experience as an information research and writing professional in small business, trade associations and large corporate environments. She has expertise in writing blog posts, articles, newsletters and reports for a diverse group of clients in a wide variety of industries. Prior to becoming an independent writer and information professional, Ms. Thorne held research and analytical positions with Bank of America and Citicorp and was a licensed teacher of English.
The Changing Face of Gun Ownership in the USA
September 5, 2016
For more info on being trained as a concealed carrier, visit our “State Laws” information portal: http://www.nationalcarryacademy.com/state-laws
I would be surprised if by now we weren’t all familiar with the stereotypical gun owner: obese, white southerners flying Confederate flags and wearing tin foil hats. It’s certainly a hilarious image, and I don’t have a problem laughing at it. But, like a lot of portrayals in the media, it’s not completely true.
There is a change in the demographics of gun ownership in this country occurring. Men are still the majority of gun owners, but women are a fast growing demographic. Yes, women are quickly understanding the importance of self-defense and the joy of shooting competitions.
The statistics are quite interesting: in 2000, only 500 females were involved in the NRA’s women-only training program. That number has risen to nearly 1500 in 2014. The overall number of women who own guns increased by an incredible 77% between 2001 and 2011. Because of the trend, even feminist news websites like Jezebel have explored it. Jezebel has explained that the Facebook group Sheepdog Mamas is an online space for firearm carrying moms. It has over 6,000 members, and it’s growing daily. Combine that with the growing number of women getting hunting licenses, and it looks as if, in the future, shooting could be a woman’s thing. And that is a wonderful thing.
Things are beginning to change in regards to race, also. Many African-Americans appear to be re-discovering the joys of shooting and the traditions of their fore-bearers. The majority of black Americans support gun ownership, which is a significant jump from ten years ago. A large number of black Americans are attempting to get concealed carry permits, and holding their right to bear arms and protect themselves close to their hearts.
Overall, what does this mean for the gun owning community? It’s wonderful! The growing interest in CCW and shooting is important in regards to furthering support for the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Having a broader demographic of gun owners goes a long way to help us politically. It’s also great to see the demolition of stereotypes in our time. Because the Second Amendment is about freedom, every individual needs to be free within the community of shooters. This means, of course, that we Second Amendment enthusiasts should be fully embracing this change.
If any of us haven’t already, it’s time for us to open our hearts and minds, and to make our black friends and neighbors feel welcome. Take your friends and neighbors shooting with you. Build friendships with women at the range. Speak a friendly “hello” to the gay couple you see next time you’re skeet shooting. If we want our grandchildren to enjoy the same freedoms we do, we should be building a shooting community that looks like America as a whole.
Of course, this is just my individual opinion, and any and all discussion is welcome. Stay safe out there.
Nancy Thorne is founder and principal of Thorne Business Research. With more than 30 years experience as an information research and writing professional in small business, trade associations and large corporate environments. She has expertise in writing blog posts, articles, newsletters and reports for a diverse group of clients in a wide variety of industries. Prior to becoming an independent writer and information professional, Ms. Thorne held research and analytical positions with Bank of America and Citicorp and was a licensed teacher of English.