Damon Brooks

ENG 102
Exploratory Essay
Professor Deadrick
December 4, 2015

Lets Shape up the World

Gun violence is occurring every day and continuing to become a major issue in
todays society. In todays society, gun violence is glorified in all forms of social media
including video games, music, and the Internet. According to BBC, Murder rates have
increased sharply across the US in 2015, with at least 30 cities reporting a rise in
violence ("US Murder Rate Sees Sharp Increase in 2015). Families across the world are
continuing to go through traumatizing moments when they are faced with the loss of their
loved one to gun violence. What can we do to improve America and the safety of people
throughout the country? Violence in America has created an epidemic that needs to be
addressed immediately. However, gun violence is one of Americas most difficult issues
to repair. My father was shot and killed on September 26, 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland.
His death continues to motivate me to be persistent in advocating for better control on
guns in our society. Losing a prominent figure in ones life to gun violence is
traumatizing, but I find peace in trying to reduce murders resulted from gun violence. I
have read numerous articles trying to understand the process of enforcing stronger laws
on guns.

In Alison Stewarts article Chicagos rap in looming aftermath of drill, she

mentions how music has influenced and encouraged the increase for gun violence. The
amount of murders caused by guns is steadily increasing, which in result is creating
headlines across mass media outlets. Gun violence is reported and documented on a daily
basis and ultimately increasing the murder rate. In reference to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation statistics, Chicago recorded 500 homicides in 2012, beating out cities like
Los Angeles with 299 homicides and New York City with 419 homicides. Pathos was
reflected in the Federal Bureau of Investigations article due to the emotions presented in
the article. The author used the increase in homicides to assist in conveying to the reader
the importance of enforcing stricter gun laws. I am surprised that each year the crime rate
is steadily increasing and setting records for crimes committed within 12 months.
Violence has increasingly risen to the point where the federal government needs
to alter and strengthen the gun laws. It is too often that families are forced to deal with
murders of their loved ones. News outlets report tragic stories of how people have
succumbed to gun violence daily and it is becoming overwhelming to the general public.
CNN.com article reflects on specific crimes that have caused concern for our future plans
for gun control. The article Ban Gun, End Shootings by John Donohue reported a
horrific shooting that occurred in Charleston, South Carolina on June 18,2015. Dylann
Roof sat and briefly attended the bible study, then following the event he shot and killed
nine people in a church. John Donohue is a news reporter for CNN that covers stories that
attract national attention. Donohue followed this story of banning guns because there has
been a continuous trend of crimes committed with guns. The crime caused a great uproar
around the country that left many citizens concerned about the future of society and the

communities with guns. In addition, the article also mentioned the murder in Virginia
when a former news reporter opened fire and killed a female anchor and cameraman. A
plan must be devised to create stricter gun laws that will protect and empower citizens to
feel safe. The article reported on CNN features the two logical appeals. In the article,
Donohue uses one of the most horrific crimes of 2015 to convey to the reader how guns
are an issue affecting the world. The author uses pathos to illustrate the uncanny emotions
of people that are going through traumatizing circumstances. Also, the author featured
logos to elaborate on his reason to get control on the use of guns. Donohue writes a
persuasive article to convey to the reader the impact gun violence is continuing to have
on our society. Donohue is very adamant about banning guns because he is aware of how
gun violence is continuing to increase and be more horrific.
The federal government must formulate a plan to either strengthen their gun laws
or alter a constitutional right. One of the rights as an American citizen is the right to bear
arms. However, guns are being used at an alarming rate that is becoming extremely
harmful to live an ordinary life. The article highlights how background checks do not
decreased the amount of shootings and murders. Guns are a national issue and it will take
a lot of persistence and patience to reinforce the laws, so we can have a safer community
for the following generations. Federal government officials are aware of the amount of
legal action it will take to change the constitutional rights. This article appeals to the
logical of ethos. Ethos is an appeal that is based on authority. Throughout the article, the
federal government is mentioned for imperative reasons for gun laws to be changed that
will ultimately benefit everyone.

To create a safer environment in our country, we must be more meticulous and

observant of who can acquire guns. In the article, the author discusses how presidential
candidates will debate on ways to improve gun control in the United States of America.
As president of United States, the president is responsible for suggesting and
implementing policies that have a national impact. President Obama was referenced in
the article based on his sentiments of how gun control laws need to be strengthened and
structured in a way that to reduce easy access to gun ownership. Pathos was present
throughout the article because there were moments when emotions were expressed.
President Obamas sentiments reflected pathos because as president he is responsible for
addressing any issues that are affecting the United States of America. In addition, the
author uses logos in his article to help the reader relate to the emotion portrayed in the
context. The author displayed logos when he or she deemed that gun control is a concern
for the president as well as the world.
Gun violence is a national concern that must be addressed in order to create a
safer community and environment. On a daily basis, there is news reported about gun
violence that causes concerns for citizens as well as people in the federal government. In
order to create a safer environment, it is imperative for the federal government to take
immediate action to structuring the gun laws to be strict and discipline. When I lost my
father in Baltimore, Maryland, I began to follow the laws on gun control citywide. Gun
violence continues to leave families grieving and I am determined on alleviating that
trauma on numerous families.