kristin

I couldn't find the article online, but for those who have Seventeen Magazine, it's on page 121 of the November issue.

"Girls and Guns" is an interesting yet controversial article about the increased interest of guns among teenage girls. When four girls were asked and interviewed of their opinions of guns and gun use, three out of the four has only positive things to say; only one spoke out about how dangerous guns can be if used the wrong way. The article also speaks about how guns are "girlie" and now "come in small sizes and cute colors," with an arrow pointing to a small, light pink handgun. The girls who spoke positively about guns all have their pictures taken with rifles and handguns, the other is a picture of Ashleigh of Florida and her best friend who was shot and killed at school. I think that although there are many positive aspects about carrying and firing guns, there is a certain point to which safety goes too far. The article gives the reader a fasle idea of how guns give women power, or at least that's how it comes across. The bold excerpts describe their opinions: "It makes me feel strong," "It makes me feel safe," and "It makes me feel proud." The first section talks about how the joys of target shooting, and the excitement of winning competitions, just like in sports. The second section talks about carrying around guns for protection, and a girl who carries around two handguns, a smaller one on her ankle and a bigger one on her hip. The third talks about girls and hunting, not only for recreation, but also for food. The last section was about the shooting in school, The section is bordered and definately stands out more than the others, with a little bubble on the side that says "276 people in the UD are killed or wounded by gun shots every day." The statistics can be scary. The girl was killed by another student, a girl, who had a crush on her but was told that they should just be friends. She brought a gun from home, one that had been locked up and hidden, and shot Amanda. Ashleigh, her best friend, said "it all could have been avoided if there had never been a gun in Teah's house in the first place. Her feelings would have blown over."

1: Do you think teenage girls should have guns? Why or why not?

2: Do you think it's wrong for Seventeen to put guns in a positive way?

3: If you could, would you choose to carry a gun around with you?

4: Do you think there are equally effective ways to defend yourself?