After our tour through America, people were sometimes asked; Have you also seen firearms? Yes, we saw, discussed and somewhat experienced firearms. I have long thought that only politically right-oriented people are gun owners, but that impression has changed. The difference between them and us is mainly the world we live in... Firearms in America, how did we experience that?
This article is part of a large one-year tour the United States en Canada, with a Dutch 4×4 camper that we shipped ourselves… It is a bucket list worthy and an once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.
We wrote almost 100 articles about this ultimate tour. Visit our North America page for more information.
Firearm laws vary by state
It varies per state how visible the firearms are. For example, regulations regarding the visible carrying of a firearm differ per state. In Nevada, firearms were conspicuous. We saw many people with a holster with a firearm hanging from their pants. It immediately had the effect of putting me on my guard. This feeling was reinforced when it was in an environment where confused and addicted people hang around, such as at a gas station.
Firearms in the house and car
Many people in the US have a firearm at home. Our impression is that almost all camper travelers from America also have these in their vehicles. Also families with young children or perhaps even families. Nearby Yellowstone National Park, we spoke to candid parents who travel full-time with their children. They gave their opinion regarding firearms and what role it plays in the education of their children.
People from our world may wonder why. They wonder the opposite; why not you?
We spoke to more people in the US about this subject. We only did this after we had scanned the people and dared to broach the subject. Because in general the advice is: 'don't talk politics', only small talk is common. Nevertheless, we once experienced that someone (our neighbor at the campsite) reported to us unsolicited that he had firearms under his car seat! Did he want to warn us?
No firearms in the Netherlands
If someone breaks into a house in the Netherlands, there is little chance that the perpetrator will be carrying a firearm. There is also no chance that you will have to defend yourself with this. If one of the parties does, or both parties, the chance of damage is much greater.
An explanation about our world, a world with hardly any weapons, is actually unimaginable for the average American. It's different with them. In America, there is a good chance that the burglar is carrying a firearm. What choice would you make?
For us, during the trip in the United States, having a firearm did not feel like a necessity. How would we manage to defend ourselves with a firearm? This can only cause more damage. If something like this happens to us, there will be damage, but the damage will remain limited if we do not try to defend ourselves.
Mass shootings
It is difficult for us Dutch to imagine that thousands of people in the United States are victims of (mass) shootings every year, for example at schools. It has never happened here before. People outside the US quickly think of banning firearms as a solution.
However, many people in the US believe that a gun ban will not reduce these numbers. They argue that the shooter kills the people, not the gun. More attention and money should be paid to mental health care, so that young people in particular do not immediately reach for a firearm.
As I said, a world without (or with hardly any) firearms is unimaginable for Americans. It does not dawn on you that if a young person becomes confused or revengeful, he/she will not have the opportunity to reach for a firearm in our world. Only a knife or, in exceptional cases, a handgun, with which it is not simply possible to kill dozens or even a hundred victims in a short time.
Very easy to operate
Chris has in Miami experience what it is like to shoot automatic firearms. He really enjoyed experiencing what it feels like to shoot such weapons. Not me, that's not for me...
Also read: Miami travel guide | Must sees, travel tips and budget
However, he was also seriously surprised at how easy it was to operate such a weapon. Even with fully automatic weapons, which he has never handled before, hardly a bullet has missed the target. These weapons are clearly designed to attack multiple targets quickly and specifically. For the army, for causing countless victims. Not for the ordinary person. Not to defend.
Good guys with guns
Can you imagine it? America is a country that is currently not concerned with reducing gun ownership, but is investing in, for example, metal detectors at schools, training teachers and deploying armed security. That must create an unsafe feeling among the children. They go to a place every day where they prepare for the day when this might happen.
Also read: Column: Shootings, Trump crazies and political unrest
In conclusion
A world without firearms in America is simply unthinkable for many Americans. We think that's bizarre! As far as we are concerned, banning automatic weapons would be a first step. Then you still have the other firearms, your hobby, your defense, but not the kind that kills dozens or even hundreds in a short time.
How could something like this be implemented? It can be compared to the increase in the number of young people in the Netherlands who carry a knife. They indicate that they have it with them because others have it too. How do you break this vicious circle?
Anyway, who are we to say that this has to change and to judge it from here? In any case, I'm glad I'm on this side of the ocean – with hardly any firearms!
