Author Dominic Erdozain wrote his book, “One Nation Under Guns: How Gun Culture Distorts Our History and Threatens Our Democracy,” with the intention of raising awareness about gun violence. In his book, Erdozain delves into the rich tapestry of American history, tracing the development of gun culture and its profound influence on the country’s values, societal norms, and democratic principles.
According to his statement, there was a significant change in the gun revolution during the 1980s. Over the past five decades, gun policy in the United States has undergone a dramatic shift. For instance, President Richard Nixon once supported a complete ban on handguns, while President Ronald Reagan viewed guns as an inherent part of American culture.
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During a conversation with ABC News, Erdozain examined guns and gun violence in America.
Gun violence is a pressing issue in our nation, causing division among its people. In his latest book, “One Nation Under Guns: How Gun Culture Distorts Our History and Threatens Our Democracy,” historian Dominic Erdozain delves into the depths of American history to analyze the development of gun culture and its profound influence on the values, norms, and democracy of the country. Dominic graciously joins us today to discuss his book and shed light on this important topic. We are truly grateful for his time and expertise. Now, let’s delve into what inspired him to explore this subject.
Dominic Erdozain shared his personal experiences and the shock he felt upon arriving in a place where gun violence was prevalent, particularly around the time of the tragic event at Sandy Hook. Witnessing the devastation caused by such violence, including the large-scale mass shootings that captured public attention, deeply affected him.
I personally experienced the impact of ongoing violence in our communities, which led to lockdowns in schools. This became evident to me during a visit to my doctor’s surgery in Atlanta last year. I realized that there was a lack of awareness regarding the extent and recentness of these incidents.
In my book, I explore the historical origins of slavery and militarized nationalism. However, it is important to note the significant shift that occurred from the Nixon era to Reagan’s presidency. During this time, a culture war emerged, and the issue of guns became a powerful symbol of purity and alignment with the right side of the culture war, drawing on the Cold War mentality.
ERDOZAIN: The impact of the Heller decision was significant as it overturned the handgun ban in D.C., thereby immediately changing the legal landscape. Moreover, it laid the foundation for the 2022 Bruen decision. In 2008, Heller recognized the historical connection between the right to keep and bear arms and military service in a militia. This decision extended this right to individuals, specifically allowing them to possess firearms in their homes. Subsequently, the Bruen decision expanded this right to individuals beyond the confines of their homes.
This is a significant change that has both legal and societal implications. In the past, there was skepticism regarding the interpretation of the right to bear arms in the military or state militia and how it applied to individuals. However, over time, there has been a growing acceptance of the idea that it does have relevance to individuals as well.
It is both surprising and concerning to me that both liberals and conservatives seem to have abandoned the idea of constitutional rights. Rather than recognizing the flawed decision and history behind it, some individuals are adopting it as a valid argument.
During the interview with ABC News, Dominic was asked about the popular belief that “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” The interviewer inquired about the impact of this slogan on gun control measures.
ERDOZAIN: It’s quite a fascinating concept, really. I often find myself thinking that the so-called “bad guy” is simply a good person going through a rough patch. When you delve into the data and explore fields like criminology, sociology, and psychology, you come across some groundbreaking books from the 70s that caught my attention. One of them is titled ‘Violent Men,’ while the other is called ‘Power and Innocence.’ What I found most intriguing was the notion that it’s the supposed “good guy” we should be wary of. It’s the individual who possesses a strong sense of righteousness and is willing to resort to violence.
Last week, it came to light that there has been a surge in road rage incidents. Shockingly, road rage shootings have spiked by an alarming 400% over the past decade. As someone who closely follows such incidents, I have come across numerous accounts that document these horrifying events. It’s disconcerting to learn about incidents like a young mother, accompanied by her two children, being shot by a Maserati driver over a minor altercation. What’s particularly concerning is that these individuals involved in road rage incidents are not the stereotypical criminals we are often warned about by the NRA. They are ordinary gun owners.
In the aftermath of the Uvalde mass shooting, many individuals highlighted the presence of numerous armed civilians at the scene. This raises an important question about the role of guns in a well-functioning democracy. After conducting extensive research and writing this book, I am curious to know your perspective on this matter. Where do you believe firearms belong in a functioning democracy?
ERDOZAIN: I really value what the previous guest mentioned about authenticity. It’s important to embrace our non-American heritage. I often recall something Jodie Foster said after one of her movies. She stated, “If the issue is rage, then the issue lies within our own imperfections.”
In my opinion, I believe that it is not necessary for individuals to possess firearms. This belief extends particularly to handguns. However, I do not hold any objections towards individuals owning shotguns or hunting rifles, as they align with the historical traditions of our country from the 19th and 20th centuries. On the other hand, I strongly oppose the ownership of handguns, as well as assault weapons that possess high capacity and velocity.
In my opinion, handguns do not belong in a civilian society. I have strong reservations about keeping handguns in households. In Atlanta, where I reside, many individuals possess them. However, when examining the data and statistics, it becomes evident that it is the families of these individuals who face the highest risk. I hold a rather strict stance on this issue. Overall, I believe that handguns hold little relevance in the context of a contemporary society.
Thank you, Dominic, for taking the time to speak with us. Your book, “One Nation Under Guns: How Gun Culture Distorts Our History and Threatens Our Democracy,” is now available for purchase at all major retailers.
