The increasing number of shootings across America has prompted celebrities to put their notoriety aside. NBA stars, including Steph Curry, sum up the picture in this PSA.
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“There’s this notion that in order to draw attention and to be considered for roles I want to be considered for, you need a certain amount of notoriety.”
These words from Bryan Cranston, star of the hit TV show “Breaking Bad”, may seem like they have less to do with gun control and more to with his craft as a seasoned actor. It may seem outlandish, even improper to say these words have any place whatsoever in the conversation about gun control. However, they have layers of truth underneath them–and if you peel each one back, you’ll find a vibrant, strong picture of humanity.
This observation comes on the heals of President Obama’s recent nationwide address on gun control, in which he took major steps towards signing mandatory background checks for gun owners into law. Since–and even prior to this, celebrities have added their voices to the fight to end gun violence. This brings up a question worth asking: If there is indeed this notion surrounding Hollywood and notoriety that Cranston is referring to in his quote, does that leave room for gun owners–whether they’re famous or not–to be awarded a rite of passage? To harm or kill, and not take steps to learn how to use a gun properly?
Not only that, but why do some assume that the rules suddenly change when we talk about celebrities? Should it stop people with of a certain stature from speaking out about certain issues in a mature, civilized manner? Does it give them the right to think they’re super human?
Consider the words of NBA star Steph Curry, whos featured in the Upworthy.com video above.
“I heard about a shooting involving a 3-year-old girl [over the summer]. My daughter, Riley, is that age.”
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Everytown for Gun Safety/Youtube
First, firearm violence is, and has been, on a decline for years. Shootings are NOT increasing. Second, *2015 Total gun deaths: ~32,000 *Suicide makes up 20,000 of that number. How will suicides be reduced by president Obama’s proposals? Also, do you believe that people who with to commit suicide will not do so given lack of gun availability? Many countries with fewer firearms than the US have higher suicide rates. *800 Accidental Deaths *That leaves about 12,000 gun deaths by homicide. *Over 20% of those are committed in just 7 U.S. cities (granted they are large ones for the most… Read more »