LTE: Why label different types of violence?

March 31, 2007
Cincinnati Enquirer

Why when violence involves a firearm do you call it "gun violence"? I never see the words "knife violence" or "brick violence" mentioned. As a matter of fact, you run very few stories of any other kind of violence but those involving firearms.

There's no such thing as gun violence; there's just plain violence. Separating violence involving a firearm is both disingenuous and purposeful on The Enquirer's part. Demonize the object and make people fear it, and it's much easier to get rid of it. The Enquirer seems to always have trouble placing the blame for violence where it belongs - on society's lap.

David Waits
Eastgate