American Studies Blog 2

I have decided to look at gun ownership in America. I think this is a current issue and one that affects everyone. From the map you can clearly see that gun ownership is prevalent in all states, however can be seen as more prominent in rural areas in America. In America it is much more normal to own a gun. The photographer Charles Ommanney travelled around the United States photographing Americans with their guns. He states they were ‘comfortable’ with posing with their guns, as if this is what everyone does. In 2012 statistics show (from The Guardian) that there was 8,855 murders in America using all types of firearms. Interestingly, looking at the map New York, Boston and Washington can be seen to have a smaller percentage of ownership of firearms. These are areas of high population and like California has a strong tourist trade. Looking at the map below shows how different the American society is, in this aspect of life, in comparison to the rest of the world.