The NRA - Freedoms Safest Place?

Founded in 1871, The National Rifle Association (NRA) is an American non profit organisation that advocates for gun rights. Their website has a focus on NRA News, with headlines such as 'NRA: Freedoms Safest Place' and 'An Easy Target: Disabled & Disarmed,' implying that guns are synonymous with freedom, and that disabled people are an easy target unless they have a gun. These are sensationalist statements that would rally people to support the NRA and gun rights. Alongside this, the NRA website is superfluous in its use of keyterms such as 'freedom' and 'defending your rights.' This can be subconsciously attractive to many Americans who would in turn support the NRA's beliefs.

The NRA website also criticises anti gun groups, describing one groups views as prohibitionist. As the prohibition was widely unpopular, comparing it with gun control could make the latter seem negative too.

The NRA has received widespread criticism, as shown in this article 'The NRA vs. America' by Rolling Stone.

'Across the country, the NRA has opened new markets for firearms dealers by pushing for state laws granting citizens the right to carry hidden weapons in public and to allow those who kill in the name of self-defense to get off scot-free.'

This extract highlights how influential the NRA is in lawmaking in the United States, and how much of a problem gun crime and punishment can be.

On the other side of the argument is The Brady Campaign. An organisation hugely supporting gun control.

The Brady Campaign's mission statement:

'The mission of the Brady organization is to create a safer America for all of us that will lead to a dramatic reduction in gun deaths and injuries.'

The Brady Campaign's website has an increasing focus on petitions and ways in which an American citizen can actively make a difference in supporting gun control. In comparison to the NRA website, it is simple in design and easy to navigate to information about gun violence and prevention. This includes statistics, articles and ways to 'Suicide Proof Your Home.' However, its overall simplicity makes it a less attractive website, potentially attracting less internet traffic and support.

Overall, the NRA has a much more attractive website. With sensational key terms and headlines, they are much more likely to influence support for their cause. If this is in the best interests of the United States is questionable.