the word is justified to use to describe any person who engages in beating up or killing innocent people for no reason. The race of the "thug" is irrelevant.
While some gun enthusiasts may be racist the majority are not. I remember the time I took a black co-worker to the range to introduce him to target shooting. When we had left I asked him what he thought of the experience.
I was surprised when he replied, "I expected to find myself discriminated against, but instead everybody was polite and helpful."
He later went on to acquire a small collection of handguns and eventually obtained a concealed weapons permit. He also became my boss. He fondly remembered our times at the range and in fact mentioned them at a meeting which involved higher level supervision as one of the more interesting and educational moments that had influenced his life and career.
It's all too easy to form misconceptions about those who differ from you especially when you base your assumptions on a few that you have met or what you read in the media. The result is stereotyping a large group of people unfairly which often makes you feel superior or more intelligent. The solution is to be more open minded and fair toward all people. You'll learn a lot more and be a far better person if you adopt this approach.
The gun control debate is an example of an issue where both sides have developed a hatred of each other. Both sides are far too willing to throw insults rather than to listen to the good points that each side has to support its views. Both the conservative and the liberal media promote this divide to increase sales of their publications and increase profit. The NRA and the gun control groups both pour gasoline on the flames to promote membership and donations. The two political parties take sides not on principle but to gain votes for reelection.
Is it any wonder that we are unable to improve the gun laws in our nation?
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