Guns and Gender

Since the dawn of firearms, they have always been stereotypically associated with males. Since the beginning of the human race, men have always been the dominating species that would hunt and protect his woman or family. With the application of weaponry, men used arrows, spears, knives and now guns to provide and protect himself and his family. Although in our generation, gender equality exists, firearms are still commonly associated with males. During WW1 and WW2 women were unable to join the army, based on the prospect of their gender. Women at that time were the ones who had to be protected, to provide with children and attend to womanly duties, such as cooking, cleaning and sewing etc. Even to this day, although women can now join the army in most countries, they are still unable to fight on the front line, it is strictly a male duty. I think this still has a lot to do with traditional military history. The protection of women of men dates back since ancient times, the men must protect. The death of a woman unable to be protected by man, would lay question to true masculine initiative.

From this historical prospect, although women how much more empowerment now, Males are still naturally protective beings. Many believe the combination of women and firearms is unsuitable, due to the traditional nature of feminine life. Women in history used to always be inferior to men, so they were unable to have the same prospects. The concept of firearms today, is dominating, keeping order and protecting yourself from dangers etc, it is a superior asset that can control the outcome of any situation in a matter of seconds. The fearful, deadly threat of being shot makes the gun a strong asset for any user, thus in the hands of a woman who is supposed to be inferior, seemed unreasonable.

Being a woman myself who admires guns and other forms of firearms, I have both equally negative and positive remarks based on my interest. As a gamer, I play a lot of FPS games such as 'Call of Duty' based on the weapons aspect, although usually I am not contacted in any way, I often get abuse based upon my choice of game, despite my skill or ability in the game. The common insult of being told to 'get back in the kitchen' is the most used for girl gamers and also the most insensitive. It's showing how some males still believe the place for a woman is where tradition in history lays. That although entirely fictional, the FPS game is a replicated reality of military combat scenarios, in which men traditional were a part of. So the inclusion of a female party seems ridiculous to them, to the point they have to insult and isolate that player from the game. However, although that is an extreme negative side, this is also a positive side to the remarks of girls and guns. 

The combination of women and firearms to men can also be a very appealing. Frequently in recent years, female models have often appeared posing with firearms for male magazines etc. I think this is because men like the combination of both elements. Women posing with guns makes them appear more  dominating and strong, which is a lot of male fantasy. Aside from that prospect, woman are also seriously involved with firearms training when joining the army. Females are expected to be strong and independent individuals within military life, just like the males, thus breeding equality between both genders.