Should Congress ban assault rifles?

The recent mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida has reignited the debate surrounding gun control in the United States, with Americans seeming more polarized on the issue now than ever. Many activists, including some survivors of the Florida shooting, are advocating for a congressional ban on assault rifles, while others argue that this action would infringe upon 2nd Amendment rights owed to all Americans. Should Congress ban assault rifles?

investigate

Teachers

Download the teacher's guide to follow along.

Additional resources to think about

Loaded: History of Gun Control in America
From KQED, this timeline of gun control in the United States follows the change in laws from 1776 to 2016.

How the Survivors of Parkland Began the Never Again Movement
This New Yorker article follows the activism of the Parkland students lobbying for stricter gun restrictions in Florida.

Senators Murphy And Blumenthal Reintroduce Universal Gun Background Check Legislation
This WNPR interview with Senator Chris Murphy explores the legislative efforts the Connecticut senators have taken after the Sandy Hook shooting.

Students in Cody, WY Walked Out to Champion 2nd Amendment Rights
This PBS NewsHour video from the Student Reporting Labs demonstrates why students at Cody High School staged a walk-out in favor of the 2nd amendment.

contemplate

Who created this message?

What kind of “text” is it?
How similar or different is it to others of the same genre?
What are the various elements (building blocks) that make up the whole?

What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?

What do you notice (about the way the message is constructed)?
What’s the emotional appeal?
What makes it seem “real?”
Are there any symbols? Persuasive devices used?

How might different people understand this message differently from me?

How many other interpretations could there be?
How could we hear about them?
How can you explain the different responses?

What lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented in, or omitted from, this message?

What type of person is the reader/watcher/listener invited to identify with?
What ideas or perspectives are left out?
How would you find what’s missing?
What judgments or statements are made about how we treat other people?

Why is this message being sent?

What's being sold in this message? What's being told?
Who is served by or benefits from the message
– the public?
– private interests?
– individuals?
– institutions?

5 Key Questions of Media Literacy used with permission from the Center for Media Literacy.
Copyright 2002-2021, Center for Media Literacy, www.medialit.com

debate