Shifting perspectives: Exploring firearms, fear and trust
THE first time I encountered a real gun was when I found my father’s .45 caliber pistol in a clutch bag, giving off a classic 1970s vibe. Growing up, my brothers and I often played war games with toy guns, evoking that same era’s spirit.
Back then, I didn’t feel any fear associated with firearms until I witnessed the tragic consequences of a real gun being fired and taking a life.
That experience changed my perspective, shifting me from a playful attitude toward guns to a deep awareness of their inherent danger.
Meeting the Topacio Brothers, Aric and Hagen from Tactical Corner, and Edwin Año from Topshop Guns deepened my fascination with firearms and their complexities. Aric’s perspective on safety being a lifestyle struck a chord with me. Hagen’s success as a medalist in trap shooting during the SEA Games was motivating. Despite the typical assumption of a strict, military-like demeanor, these siblings defy stereotypes. Hagen, Aric, and Edwin exude a youthful, almost boyish aura distinct from the usual image associated with firearm enthusiasts.
Edwin provided me with an overview of the gun culture prevalent in our country. Out of the total number of firearms across the nation, 17 percent to 25 percent are deemed illegal, encompassing situations such as expired licenses, awaiting amnesty, without proper documentation, or makeshift assemblies known as “palusot” that exploit loopholes in regulations.
Edwin’s interesting point was the varying perspectives on guns across different generations. For instance, baby boomers often view firearms as a necessity for safety, stemming from their experiences after emerging from wartime. Our forefathers relied on the bolo and recognized the value of guns for gaining an advantage. Generation X tends to see guns as a form of display or a means to feel empowered. In contrast, today’s generation may have a different viewpoint.
Notably, our perceptions could be influenced by media representations, particularly movies, television shows, and modern-day video games centered around shooting. These mediums potentially shape how today’s generation perceives firearms.
In the Philippines, a stringent licensing procedure exists. Purchasing firearms from any of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition member stores mandates a meticulous license application process, including a psychological test, regardless of whether the gun is intended for sports or recreational purposes.
Recently, I found myself gripping an MPX firearm worth P300,000, guided by an Olympiad medalist and led by the gun association’s president. Could there be a more inspiring moment? Each experience shapes our biases and perceptions. It’s not the firearm that unsettles me; the person holding it determines my comfort level. My confidence in a gun is rooted in the reliability and trustworthiness of the individual wielding it.