The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves hold a lot of power. And the stories Americans tell themselves about US public policy, meant to protect and serve us, needs to change. One example is the right to own guns. In 2023, there were more than 42,000 violent gun deaths and 656 mass shootings in the US. Although we know these numbers are staggering, our politics, beliefs, and myths have kept us from finding a solution. The first American gun myth—that guns and gun violence are simply a part of American culture—has been ingrained in our collective psyche. The second myth, unfortunately, is that many of us believe we cannot stop the bloodshed. But is that really true? How did the myths of the American gun come to be, and how can we find a path forward?
In this six-part series, journalist and host Goldie Taylor will take us on a journey to uncover key misunderstandings that Americans have about our relationship with guns. Goldie will also unpack her own complicated relationship with gun ownership. There are no easy answers. But if we are to find solutions, we've got to face facts, then start asking ourselves tough questions. This series aims to be that starting point.