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TheProle

(3,980 posts)

55. It's been integrated into the human condition

Fri Jun 3, 2022, 01:35 PM

Jun 2022

-160,000 years of hunting using increasingly evolving weaponry
-10,000 years of war using increasingly evolving weaponry
-Cultural reinforcement of men as primary hunters and protectors
-End of feudalism and era of bottom-up revolutions
-Colonialism and the accompanying subjugation of native peoples
-Colonialism/expansionism and the accompanying need to "live off the land"
-The era of modern publishing and the iconic presence of guns in media
-Cultural reinforcement of gun use as "manly" and "necessary"
-The criminal advantage of firepower
-Paranoia of being victimized by armed criminals
-The gun as a symbolic extension of individuality and manliness
-Everyone who has a gun thinking they have it for the "right" reasons

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Why are American men into shooting guns? [View all] BigmanPigman Jun 2022 OP

i think the underlying emotion is fear BootinUp Jun 2022 #1

You'd think given the unfair treatment of women BigmanPigman Jun 2022 #5

Yes women should be the ones with guns. Irish_Dem Jun 2022 #28

I think another part to the fear is a man's increased testosterone Victor_c3 Jun 2022 #31

I'm not sure about how other men feel. but..., JoeOtterbein Jun 2022 #2

However it's not the old guys who are turning into mass murderers FakeNoose Jun 2022 #35

These people brainwash themselves. Just listening leftyladyfrommo Jun 2022 #59

Kids play the same games the world over. bluedigger Jun 2022 #62

Great question Lithos Jun 2022 #3

men hunt women gather has been scientifically disproven. Women hunted too and why not. LizBeth Jun 2022 #44

Apologies Lithos Jun 2022 #61

Penis fantasies pfitz59 Jun 2022 #4

An interesting read on gun owner demographics. CentralMass Jun 2022 #6

That's good info, thanks. BigmanPigman Jun 2022 #10

While mass shooters are practically all male, it's still only a very small fraction of men... Silent3 Jun 2022 #32

personal insecurity, selfishness gopiscrap Jun 2022 #7

I think it is toxic masculinity that's at the root of domestic violence and mass shootings. walkingman Jun 2022 #8

I read a couple weeks ago over 80% of mass shooters have a known dislike of women. LizBeth Jun 2022 #46

Way back in 1989, I was passing through Colorado... GReedDiamond Jun 2022 #9

You make a good point. BigmanPigman Jun 2022 #12

It started with targets, than it didn't matter...just shooting at the fucking mountain... GReedDiamond Jun 2022 #13

I was in a similar situation NJCher Jun 2022 #25

I posted something on brettdale's thread usonian Jun 2022 #11

Male need for power, control, domination, sexual arousal, instilling fear in others. Irish_Dem Jun 2022 #30

Same reason they like farting, makes a loud noise. Kablooie Jun 2022 #14

Take a look at the western movies of the 40's and 50's. jaysunb Jun 2022 #15

But in those movies guns were a necessity, like horses. betsuni Jun 2022 #22

Actual competitive shooting has plenty of women who participate Recursion Jun 2022 #16

It's very loud...I probably couldn't handle a large firearm LeftInTX Jun 2022 #17

because in American culture, violence is not just a means to an end, it is an end in and of itself Celerity Jun 2022 #18

Women have to step up on their education to their sons LittleGirl Jun 2022 #19

so many fucking cowards in the "home of the brave" Skittles Jun 2022 #20

To settle grievances. To express displeasure. To solve personal problems. Frasier Balzov Jun 2022 #21

Same reason some people ask idiotic whistler162 Jun 2022 #23

Before I transitioned vercetti2021 Jun 2022 #24

Because it's fun mostly. BlueTsunami2018 Jun 2022 #26

I would say this, it is fun Amishman Jun 2022 #40

If it was about the fun air rifles would enjoy greater popularity. hunter Jun 2022 #50

Guns are available, advertising. betsuni Jun 2022 #27

Male violence is the issue, started with throwing rocks, spears. Irish_Dem Jun 2022 #29

Good point! BigmanPigman Jun 2022 #56

Genetics? Look at who the so-called forefathers were.... ecstatic Jun 2022 #33

Americans like to call it "rugged individualism" - that translates to doing walkingman Jun 2022 #48

It's a fascist perceived power that gives them ability to control others. Emile Jun 2022 #34

Well, this is what I come up with. MissMillie Jun 2022 #36

I think there's a difference between those who own guns harumph Jun 2022 #37

This message was self-deleted by its author BusterMove Jun 2022 #38

It's a virtue signal. I have a brother. I think he's typical of them. We grew up in Scrivener7 Jun 2022 #39

Same reason I like cracking the throttle on a fast bike sir pball Jun 2022 #41

Anecdote I posted elsewhere on DU usonian Jun 2022 #42

Rachel Maddow, storyteller and gun lover Kid Berwyn Jun 2022 #43

I don't know ForgedCrank Jun 2022 #45

"Very few women want to kill people with guns" brooklynite Jun 2022 #47

Maybe ask my daughter sarisataka Jun 2022 #49

I like to go target shooting with my dad because it's fun Rob H. Jun 2022 #51

Feeling of power and control Sympthsical Jun 2022 #52

I'm not Polybius Jun 2022 #53

Watch the gun advertisements. The gun industry have researched this for decades and use it for ads. Midnight Writer Jun 2022 #54

It's been integrated into the human condition TheProle Jun 2022 #55

It helps fill the freezer ripcord Jun 2022 #57

It makes them feel powerful budkin Jun 2022 #58

Confluence of cultural influences -- machismo, mythical settling of the west, patriotism. nt allegorical oracle Jun 2022 #60