Adolescents' Views of Guns in a High-Violence Community

Abstract

Firearms account for the majority of deaths among young Black men in America. This article presents a qualitative investigation of youth temptations, emotional reactions, and subsequent behavior with respect to guns. Twenty-three youth enrolled in a community-based firearm reduction program have participated in interviews on retrospective experiences with guns. Common temptations for gun carrying are protection during drug dealing, protection from disrespect, and protection from repeated aggression and bullying. Gun handling produces two diverse responses, fear and excitement. Interviews reveal a dangerous form of gunplay known as flossing and cognitive distortions of peer attitudes toward carriers. Results suggest the need to promote normal adolescent development through increased social opportunities, reduced exposure to guns, and empowering bystanders to prevent escalation of conflict.