A new study published in PLoS One by Dr. Kerry O’Brien from the University of Manchester ties gun ownership to racism in white americans.
The study shows symbolic racism was related to having a gun in the home and opposition to gun control policies in US-whites. The findings help explain US whites’ paradoxical attitudes towards gun ownership and gun control. Such attitudes may adversely influence US gun control policy debates and decisions.
According to the study gun-related deaths in the US are a significant public health concern, representing a leading cause of death, and are particularly prevalent from ages 15–54. The latest statistics reveal that over 38,000 deaths a year in the United States are gun related.