The Changing Face of Gun Ownership in America
In recent years, the landscape of gun ownership in America has undergone a significant transformation. While the majority of gun owners are still white, conservative, male, and from rural areas, a growing number of people from diverse backgrounds—women, minorities, and politically progressive individuals—are taking up firearms. This shift reflects broader societal changes, as well as heightened concerns about safety and self-protection in an increasingly polarized and uncertain world. For many, the decision to buy a gun is driven by a deep-seated need to feel prepared for the unexpected, a sentiment that transcends traditional political and demographic divides.
A World on Fire: Motivations for Gun Ownership
The motivations for gun ownership among these new buyers are as varied as their backgrounds. For some, like Anna Kolanowski, a 28-year-old transgender epidemiologist in Iowa, the decision to purchase a gun was spurred by a growing sense of vulnerability. After coming out as transgender in 2021, Kolanowski felt a heightened awareness of the hostility faced by her community, leading her to buy a Glock 43X handgun and learn how to use it. Similarly, John Alvarado, a 30-year-old Black and Latino conservative in Maine, felt compelled to arm himself in response to shifting social norms and a perceived threat to his family and values. For both Kolanowski and Alvarado, gun ownership represents a way to protect themselves and their identities in a world they increasingly see as unstable and hostile.
The Forces of Fear and Distrust
The rise in gun ownership among these groups is also driven by a growing distrust in institutions, particularly law enforcement. Many of the new gun owners expressed a belief that the police cannot always be relied upon to protect them, especially in the face of rising hate crimes and political violence. For example, Dr. Ken Green, a 70-year-old retired Navy dentist and physiologist in California, purchased his first gun in 2022 after years of growing unease over the normalization of intolerance during Donald Trump’s presidency. The attack on the Capitol in January 2021 was the final straw for Green, who now sees gun ownership as a necessary measure to protect himself and his Jewish identity. Similarly, John Tsien, a 47-year-old father of three in Massachusetts, bought a gun after witnessing a surge in hate speech and violence against Asians during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Navigating Risk and Criticism
The decision to purchase a gun is not without its challenges, particularly for those who must navigate concerns about mental health, societal criticism, and even familial disapproval. For instance, John Tsien had to negotiate with his wife, Sarah, who was initially uneasy about having guns in their home, especially with young children. Tsien took extra precautions, such as storing his firearms in a locked safe and removing them during times of heightened mental health concerns. Similarly, Anna Kolanowski worries about being unwelcome or harassed at shooting ranges due to her transgender identity, leading her to present herself in an androgynous way to avoid potential conflict. Despite these challenges, many new gun owners find a sense of purpose and empowerment in their decision, as well as a deeply enjoyable and meditative hobby.
Purpose and Pleasure in a New Pursuit
For many of these new gun owners, the act of shooting has become more than just a means of self-defense—it has also become a source of joy, community, and personal growth. John Tsien, for example, describes shooting as a meditative and calming pursuit, akin to photography or scuba diving, where the mastery of a complex tool brings a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Similarly, Victoria Alston, a 30-year-old Black woman in Arkansas, found a sense of empowerment and camaraderie at a shooting range managed by another Black woman, where she and other women could learn to protect themselves without relying on men. For Alston, gun ownership is not just about safety; it is also about reclaiming agency and challenging societal norms.
A New Era of Gun Ownership
The stories of these new gun owners offer a glimpse into a rapidly changing America, where the lines between liberal and conservative, urban and rural, and traditional and progressive are increasingly blurred. While the decision to buy a gun is deeply personal and often fraught with complexity, it also reflects a broader societal trend toward self-reliance and preparedness in the face of uncertainty. For Anna Kolanowski, John Alvarado, Dr. Ken Green, John Tsien, and Victoria Alston, gun ownership is not just a practical choice but also a deeply symbolic one—a way to assert their identities, protect their families, and navigate a world that feels increasingly unstable. As the country continues to grapple with its divisions, the growing diversity of gun owners serves as a reminder that the issues of safety, identity, and self-protection are far more nuanced than they often appear.
