Guns Fire Up Toxic Masculinity

Boys and girls can create self-esteem when given better tools

These are a few of MY guns from my SF past and pastimes, Christyl Rivers

Gun cultures is learned early

First of all, I think it’s important to remind everyone that it is not masculinity that is toxic, but the behaviors of some men that are toxic. Also, the behaviors of some women, but that is a separate topic. I think guns, and gun culture, promote toxic masculinity.

Very early in my career, I worked in a pre-school. Pre-school is often where the youngest students among us get their foundational, socialization. Many schools have a zero-tolerance policy on anything remotely resembling a gun. Those people who object have not really been around young children before, or they would realize how disruptive it is when a cute little rascal starts running around waving anything remotely gun-shaped, and screeching ratta-tatta-tat and bang-bang noises while the whole place erupts into chaos.

Little boys will use their hands, when no object is available. And, I remember very clearly that when I was young, we played “War” quite a lot, and even I internalized the importance of mock murder as a joyful, and boisterous thing, usually with a rifle shaped stick upon my small framed, tomboy shoulder.

Being one of the boys felt powerful. We were a military family with five boys.