Blog-2 "Valley of the Gun"

Blog-2

Valley of the Gun by Joe Bageant

 

What role did the gun culture play in Bageant’s family and how did it provide him with important values?

According to the article by Bageant, gun culture played a very big role in his life which ultimately reflected on his family.  As a child, having been raised by parents and grandparents who are strong believers in the use of guns for hunting and survival, rather than for sport, it is no doubt that his article clearly demonstrates his own belief and conviction about this culture.  Hunting was primarily used to provide food for sustenance and hunting just for the thrill of killing was not allowed or condoned. This culture promoted tight family relationships, fostered respect for those adults having gun experience and, by enlarge, defined the character of a role model for younger children.  Family values and acceptable practices for the use of guns were not necessarily taught only at home, but they were also taught in the field while hunting.  Contemplating the benefits of the hunt, hunters appreciated the bounty given to man by god.  While hunting, the quite solitude also provided these hunters with the opportunity to connect with god and be thankful for his bounty.

 

To what extent has the gun control controversy impinged on the everyday activities that Bageant describes?  What are your views on this issue?

There is no doubt in my mind that gun control laws have curtailed the number of adults and youth that embrace the classical “gun culture” of our fathers and grandparents and great grandparents.  Skewed views and opinions by those who oppose the right to use, let alone to own, a gun have tremendously impacted what is accepted today as the “New Gun Culture”.

In our world today, gun culture promotes the use of guns for sport.  Hunting is no longer viewed as a necessity for survival as it was back in the days of our parents and grandparents.  Experience and safety issues relating to the use of guns are taught to young children in classes and fewer by their parents and grandparents as was years ago.  Animal right activists also fuel the existing skewed views of hunting.  Hunting season is regulated by local and state laws such as those put in place by the “Fish and Game” government entities.  Hunting season is no longer 365 days as it was long ago.  Hunters are required to dress in the appropriate attire, pay the required fees and obtain the necessary permits for hunting certain animals of given size.  Even hunting is not open for all those who would like to hunt a certain animal.  Only those fortunate individuals who win a drawing are allowed to hunt these animals.  For example, during the Moose hunting season in the State of Montana, only six or seven individuals are randomly picked each year and allowed to bring in this trophy size animal.  Others may have to wait a few years hoping that their names be drawn.

 

In general, I personally do not like hunting.  However my children and my ex-husband are avid hunters who not only enjoy the sport of hunting but they also understand the benefits of hunting in the provision of food sustenance.  In my heart, while hunting may appear to be a cruel act against animals, it is equally an act that makes a person appreciate gods bounty to mankind.