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Confronting the Harsh Reality: Gun Violence

Gun violence is a tragic fact of life for many Americans. According to the Gun Violence Archive, at least two mass shootings happen in the US everyday.  In 2021 alone, there were 43,561 total incidents of gun violence, resulting in 23,529 deaths and 20,032 injuries.

These incidents are also increasing every year. In fact, in 2020, firearm related injuries became the leading cause of death for young people. There are at least 393 million guns in circulation in the USA. That’s the highest rate of firearm ownership per capita globally- at approximately 120.5 guns per 100 people.

I Survived Gun Violence: A Campaign for Awareness

Our brand, I Survived, has a clear goal: to acknowledge survivors of life’s greatest challenges. Within the social paradigm of focusing on tragic experiences, we often forget those who have survived in its aftermath. 

Our survivors have faced a range of challenges, including but not limited to cancer, sexual assault, child sexual abuse (CSA), mental health issues, postpartum depression, and divorce to name a few .Our brand is dedicated to fostering an environment that celebrates their tenacity and resilience for overcoming difficult ordeals and emerging on the other side, strong and thriving.

Recently, the founder of our brand was approached by an advocate against Gun Violence. Did you know June is Gun Violence Awareness Month? We believe that it is the crucial need of the hour to stand in solidarity with survivors of gun violence.

Whether you have witnessed an act of gun violence, been threatened or wounded with a gun, you are a survivor. We are launching this campaign to amplify the voices of those who have been affected by gun violence and to join the fight for change. 

The Ripple Effects of Gun Violence

Gun violence is not just a safety issue, it is a complex sociocultural phenomenon that impacts every aspect of American life. This includes the economy, community safety, education as well as healthcare.

According to the Giffords Law Center, gun violence costs the United States $229 billion annually in medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. This creates a massive strain on healthcare and economic resources. 

The impacts of gun violence on students’ mental and emotional well-being are even more telling. One study of over 2000 students found that concern about school shootings resulted in an increase in anxiety and panic attacks six months later. In addition to this, a third of all American adults avoid public places due to a fear of mass shootings.

Gun violence can also devastate communities. In January, the Lunar New Year Shooting at Monterey Park in California shattered the close-knit population of the town, 65% of which is composed of Asian Americans, many being first-generation immigrants. Their perception of a safe life in the USA has been shaken by this incident.

The Impact of Gun Violence on People of Color

 Due to the pervasive history of systemic racism across the United States, gun violence disproportionately impacts communities of color. This can be traced to a pattern of disinvestment in housing, infrastructure, employment and education for minority communities across the nation.

Across all demographics, young Black Americans (aged 15 to 34) experience the highest rates of gun violence. Despite making up only 13% of the population, they are victims of 60% of gun homicides. Hispanic communities as well as low-income groups are also impacted by gun violence at higher rates than White Americans.

Despite these patterns, let’s be clear about one thing: nobody is spared when it comes to gun violence. By allowing easy access to firearms, the United States puts all its citizens at risk. A recent example of this was the Nashville school shooting. It took place in the affluent neighborhood of Green Hills, at a private institution, with a majority White population.

While amplifying the voices of BIPOC survivors of gun violence is important, gun reform is a necessity for the safety of all Americans. Policymakers must invest in community intervention programmes and dismantle institutional barriers while simultaneously strengthening gun laws across the nation.

Unveiling our Campaign

We are launching iSurvived Gun Violence Awareness Wristbands as well as Pride Month Wristbands, in our signature red and rainbow colors. Embossed with the powerful words, “iSurvived”, these silicone wristbands commemorate both Pride Month and Gun Violence Awareness Month, which occur in June.

These will be available for pre-order from May 7th to May 20th for just $3 each. On June 1st, they will be re-released as Special Edition pieces.

We have also teamed up with a charity called Students Demand Action, a group of passionate young activists who work towards ending gun violence in the USA. A portion of the generated profits will be donated to them. 

Hence, by buying our iSurvived Gun Violence Awareness Wristbands, you can directly show support to the resilient survivors of gun violence. 

Beyond this campaign, iSurvived will be releasing a variety of products throughout the year, such as tee shirts, sweaters, tumblers, hats, cell phone cases and more. Each of these launches will be centered on the survivors of a social cause that demands grave attention, such as domestic violence or sexual assault. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to charities that works in that space.

To pre-order our iSurvived Gun Violence Awareness Wristbands and stay updated on our campaigns, check out our website: https://isurvivedcorp.org

This blog was written by Riti.  She can be reached at riti@aggarwal01@gmail.com