Until the early 20th century, firearms were necessary for survival on every continent on earth, including Antarctica. Weapons became essential for food and protection from the moment they were invented. In times before the 20th century, almost everyone was familiar with firearms because they were a part of everyday life. Most family members were trained in the use of firearms as a normal family function by reaching adulthood.
Both boys and girls were taught at an early age that weapons should be respected and used only when necessary. The gun was thought to be as common as automobiles are today. Ever since the firearm was invented, people used them to survive from man or beast. Until recent times, most people were trained to use a weapon based on the necessity of life. (1)
Many people today think of guns in a completely different mindset than in earlier times for many reasons. Recently, it seems that people are being taught to fear guns instead of being taught to respect them for what they are, a tool that is used for specific functions just like other tools are used for specific jobs. Firearms have their place in modern society just as much as they did in the earlier times mentioned above.
Unfortunately, some have used firearms to terribly and ruthlessly take human life for evil reasons. However, these examples of evil are not acceptable to the gun-owning masses just like everyone else who chooses not to own a gun. When a firearm is used for evil purposes, most people, including those who own and carry a gun, also become ill from these acts of violence committed by cowards with bad intentions.
Many people today feel that they don’t need to own a gun for whatever reason, usually out of fear of handling a firearm. Historically, misunderstanding and the unknown cause fear in almost everyone. This is just a natural response to being afraid of the unknown, especially in this case; many people are taught to fear firearms from an early age.
However, being trained in an object or educated in any subject gives one self-confidence because now he understands what he did not know before, so his fear decreases. Getting familiar with a weapon is technically no different than getting familiar with any other object. Once familiar with a weapon, one loses fear but not respect based on knowledge. Don’t confuse respect with fear. Training and education are the keys to dispelling fear while gaining respect for something and giving understanding where there was none before. Almost everyone has a natural fear of the unknown, and with good reason. However, one can dispel fear with respect and knowledge; its no a secret.
Historically, most people fearlessly owned firearms and used them for food and protection, not evil. Unfortunately, we are taught to fear guns instead of being educated and trained to properly use and respect them for what they are, just another tool. In this case, firearms are used for food and security. One may ask, security of what? My answer to those with questions you can do something as simple as watch the evening news to get your answer.
Reference
1. Good cause requirements to carry weapons in public. harvardlawrevieworg