While criticizing video games and Hollywood movies as causes of gun violence, the National Rifle Association has released an iPhone app called “NRA: Practice Range.”
The gun lobby offers the 3D app as a way to obtain “one-touch access to the NRA network of news, laws, facts, knowledge, safety tips, educational materials and online resource.” For ages 4 and up, the game allows players to practice shooting at coffin-shaped targets with red crosshairs at both the head and the heart. And for just an additional 99 cents, players can upgrade to a MK11 sniper rifle.
In hopes of teaching “safe and responsible” gun ownership, the NRA presents “fun challenges and realistic simulations” with “true-to-life firearms” on virtual shooting ranges.
A week after the Newtown shooting, the NRA blamed the media and the escalating violence in films and video games for the increased gun violence and mass shootings. NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre blasted the media industry:
“They have the nerve to call it ‘entertainment.’ But is that what it really is? Isn’t fantasizing about killing people as a way to get your kicks really the filthiest form of pornography? In a race to the bottom, media conglomerates compete with one another to shock, violate and offend every standard of civilized society by bringing an ever-more-toxic mix of reckless behavior and criminal cruelty into our homes—every minute of every day of every month of every year.”
Earlier this month, the NRA hosted an exhibit of more than 125 guns used in famous films at its National Firearms Museum. The gallery was called “Hollywood Guns.”
NRA president David Keene told CNN on Sunday that he believes legislation for gun control will not pass. “I would say that the likelihood is they’re not going to be able to get an assault weapons ban through this Congress.”
A Gallup poll released Monday shows an increase of Americans who are dissastisfied with current gun legislation jumping from 25% a year ago to now 38%. Vice President Joe Biden, head of a task force looking for ways to curb gun violence, has met with House members along with Attorney General Eric Holder, Janet Napolitano, and Kathleen Sebelius. Biden is expected to present his proposals to President Obama Tuesday, in which the reinstatement of an assault weapons ban will be included.
Clare Kim