In a nation sharply divided over guns, one voice is offering a fresh perspective from an unexpected background. David Yamane, a liberal, Asian American sociology professor at Wake Forest University, grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and didn’t own a gun until the age of 42. Now, after more than a decade of research and personal exploration, he has become one of the most nuanced observers of American gun culture. In a recent article for The Conversation, Yamane distills 14 years of study into five revealing observations about firearms in the U.S. – findings that challenge many conventional assumptions.
His insights were also highlighted and discussed by John Correia, a well-known firearms instructor and host of the YouTube channel Active Self Protection Extra. Correia praised Yamane’s article as a critical resource that encourages honest conversations about guns beyond political stereotypes.
1. Guns Are Normal in American Life
Yamane begins with a striking reminder: guns are not an anomaly in the United States – they’re normal. With approximately 86 million American adults owning at least one of the nation’s estimated 400 million firearms, guns are embedded in the fabric of everyday life. To visualize that, Yamane suggests imagining all U.S. TikTok users owning a gun – and then adding the population of New York City.
John Correia echoed this observation, pointing out that the reported number of gun owners is likely an undercount due to both political and personal hesitations about disclosure. This widespread normalization of gun ownership forms the baseline for any realistic conversation about firearms in America.
2. Gun Culture 2.0: From Hunting to Self-Defense
According to Yamane, American gun culture has evolved into what he calls “Gun Culture 2.0” – a shift away from traditional hunting and sport shooting toward personal protection and self-defense. This transition, he notes, is evident in survey data, firearms marketing, and the rise of concealed carry laws beginning in the 1980s.
Correia supports this historical analysis, noting that many states moved toward “shall issue” concealed carry laws during that time, eventually paving the way for the current landscape where over half of U.S. states allow permitless carry. Modern firearm ads, Correia adds, rarely focus on hunting. Instead, they emphasize readiness, home defense, and discreet carry – a clear reflection of today’s dominant gun ownership motivations.
3. Gun Ownership Is Surprisingly Diverse
One of Yamane’s most surprising points is that gun ownership is more diverse than often assumed. While popular media may depict gun owners as rural, white, and conservative, Yamane cites data showing that 1 in 4 Black Americans, 1 in 5 Latinos, and 1 in 4 women personally own a firearm. Additionally, 20% of gun owners identify as politically liberal, and religious diversity among gun owners is just as pronounced.
Correia applauded this section, emphasizing that the Second Amendment is a civil right, not a partisan position. He highlighted the importance of recognizing this diversity in order to break down the political tribalism that often surrounds firearms discussions. Yamane’s research aligns with the emerging recognition of LGBTQ+ gun owners, who also cite personal safety as a key reason for firearm ownership.
4. Guns Are Lethal Tools by Design
While Yamane acknowledges the utility of firearms, he doesn’t ignore their lethal nature. Unlike other tools such as knives or chainsaws, guns are designed specifically to be lethal. Although accidental firearm deaths are rare and declining, he points out that most gun-related deaths are intentional – 58% by suicide and 38% by homicide.
Correia agrees with Yamane’s assessment and stresses that the presence of guns doesn’t increase crime rates, but it does make violent incidents more deadly. In other words, the U.S. isn’t significantly more violent than other developed nations, but its lethal violence rates are higher, largely due to firearm involvement. Both men argue that acknowledging this reality is essential to honest policy and cultural discussions.
5. Guns Are Paradoxical
The final observation highlights the inherent contradiction in American gun culture: guns are both dangerous and protective. Yamane calculated that in 2023, only one gun death occurred for every 8,560 firearms and every 1,840 gun owners. That means that over 99.99% of guns and 99.95% of gun owners were not involved in any fatal incident.
Correia describes this as a paradox that doesn’t need to be solved, only recognized. Guns can be both a threat and a safeguard depending on how they are used. This duality is central to understanding why guns evoke such strong, but often contradictory, emotions in public discourse.
The Importance of Liberal Voices in Gun Culture
Yamane’s identity as a liberal gun owner offers a unique lens on a subject often dominated by conservative voices. His presence in academic and media spaces helps break down the notion that gun rights belong solely to the political right. As Correia points out, the Second Amendment is not inherently partisan, and embracing diverse perspectives can strengthen gun safety and rights advocacy.
This is particularly important in bridging gaps between gun owners and non-owners, many of whom have never spoken to someone with both academic credentials and firsthand firearms experience. Yamane’s work fills that gap with data, empathy, and context.
Self-Defense as a Universal Concern
One reason for the growth of Gun Culture 2.0 is the universal human concern for safety. As Yamane notes, people seek security in many ways: home alarms, guard dogs, gated communities, or simply being more alert. Firearms, for many Americans, are part of that same portfolio of protection.
Correia adds that the rising interest among marginalized communities, including women and LGBTQ+ individuals, reflects a growing awareness that relying solely on police or society for protection may not be realistic. For these groups, a firearm may be the most practical equalizer in a moment of crisis.
Data-Based Conversations Over Fear-Driven Rhetoric
Both Yamane and Correia advocate for data-driven, depoliticized conversations about firearms. Rather than leading with fear, either of crime or of guns themselves, they recommend starting with facts. Yamane’s research draws from public health statistics, CDC data, and sociological trends to paint a fuller picture of gun ownership and use in America.
Correia encourages viewers to read Yamane’s article, not just because they may agree with it, but because engaging with nuanced perspectives fosters critical thinking and respectful dialogue, both of which are sorely needed in today’s polarized climate.
Acknowledging the Full Reality of Guns in America
Yamane’s central message is that guns defy simplistic narratives. They are not just about crime or self-defense, oppression or freedom, good or evil. Instead, they reflect the complicated lives and identities of the people who own them. Understanding gun culture requires grappling with this complexity rather than flattening it into one-sided arguments.
Correia echoes this by reminding viewers that the right to bear arms belongs to all Americans, regardless of race, gender, religion, or politics. That truth challenges stereotypes and opens the door to more constructive conversations about both rights and responsibilities.
A Conversation Worth Having
The collaboration between David Yamane’s research and John Correia’s analysis presents a rare bridge between academia and real-world firearms training. Both voices call for less judgment and more understanding in the gun debate. Whether one agrees with every point or not, Yamane’s five observations offer a compelling framework for reevaluating common assumptions about American gun culture.
By acknowledging the normality, evolution, diversity, lethality, and paradox of firearms, this discussion creates space for dialogue that respects both personal liberty and public safety. And that’s a conversation America needs now more than ever.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.