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Dick's Sporting Goods, one of the major sports retailers in the country, has changed its gun policy in the wake of the recent Florida shooting. In addition to ending sale of semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines, the company now requires all customers to be 21 or older in order to make a purchase. This change came after hearing that the shooter purchased a firearm from Dick's Sporting Goods last November, even though it wasn't the weapon that was used in the event. The company had already pulled assault rifles from the stores after Sandy Hook in 2012, but it will now also stop selling in its Field & Stream stores.
Questions:
- Do you think that this policy change at Dick's will do anything? Or is it just the sentiment that matters?
- Since the event, people have been "buycotting" Dick's Sporting Goods, as opposed to a backlash of boycotting that they expected. Do you plan on shopping there anytime soon, or are the nearest locations too far away from San Mateo?
13 comments:
I do think that the change in policy will do something, but the effect is more social than material. If one looks at gun death statistics, they will see that these regulations will not make a huge direct impact. However, I think that Dick's actions are part of a shift in how the public views guns. While America is still buy-and-large pro-gun, more and more people are concerned about the number of mass shootings and gun deaths. While we don't necessarily know the best way to make change, the sentiment for change is growing, and I'm happy that Dick is part of this growing sentiment.
I agree with Michael in saying that though the changes that Dicks (and Walmart has actually also made these changes) has made will most likely not make a huge difference in the obtaining of guns. However, the sentiment is pretty strong, for these are companies that are being boycotted as a result and in the current state of the country thats quite a way to clarify the true division of how guns are viewed in America. Personally, I don't even go to Dicks, but I probably would support them instead of a store that hasn't changed this.
I concur with the other previous students who have commented. When stores make sales changes, it is usually the result of a push for social change, or (to relate to Economics) because they can make more profit off of the change. These gestures are just that -- gestures.
Also, it's worth noting that Dick's, a sporting goods store, will not recognize assault rifles as sport guns, which is an interesting argument in support of banning the sale of assault rifles and large automatic weapons to the larger public. While I don't personally hunt for sport or train my marksmanship, it is my understand that an assault rifle isn't really a useful tool in shooting sports, as they are geared towards maximizing damage and no emphasis on accuracy.
I think that the company made a rather smart business move. It lost the market of semi auto firearm sales and sales to people under age 21, but those were small competitive markets with probably very little income anyhow. In return, the company has gained national attention, basically the best advertising they could've dreamed of, and has created a positive image of itself in customers' minds. It's revenue will probably end up better due to this. Plus, there are plenty of other places hardcore gun enthusiasts can go to pick up a firearm. Very smart move.
I agree that this was a good idea for the company. Yes, it will do little actual change but I think the stage we are in currently with gun control, is getting our peers and businesses on board so we can reach the government to actual enact policy. This is entirely socially related but that isn't a bad thing. Dick's Sporting Goods is publicly telling society that they recognize the issue of guns in our country and they are willing to do what it takes to fix it. I think people in our generation tend to think change should come immediately, and if it doesn't, then we shouldn't try to enact change. But I think we should look at other movements and events before our time and realize change happens very slowly, but that doesn't mean it's not worth it. Dick's Sporting Goods making this change is another great step towards a safer country.
I think that some improvement is better than none at all. People who desire guns at the age of 18 can get them somewhere else, but Dick's made a smart move by fixing what they think would be better for their reputation in the long run.
The company is just responding to the publics opinion for now. I'd still shop there because it sells things other than guns after all. Overall, I don't think that this will make a very big impact in the gun controversy in a whole. I'm a firm believer that its the responsibility of the individual when it comes to gun righ but, I'm glad they got rid of semi-automatics. I never really got why they sold them in dicks sporting goods to begin with considering there not considered any sort of hunting gear, which hunting is a sport.
I don't think it will have a huge impact because there are probably other places shooters could go to get guns, but it's more about the public sentiment and the fact that they are making a statement and taking a position on the gun controversy. I think this move shows that no matter whether you support the second amendment or not, both sides can still recognize that public safety is the most important and there should be more regulation. I do not plan on shopping there any time soon because I am not interested in sports or guns.
I think that this policy change is a step in the right direction. It is not changing the total restriction on guns, however, these small changes will help go towards that direction. While it is helpful that they are making it more difficult for younger adults to get guns, it is still available to them at other places. With this said, it will not be much of an impact on gun laws, however, I think it will give people a new perspective. People will maybe recognize this change and reconsider their own views. Additionally, any change towards more restrictions is good and will have an impact.
I think this was a very smart move in a lot of ways. While people under 21 can still get guns elsewhere, what Dick's has done says a lot about how Americans AND corporations are viewing and responding to mass shootings and the issue of safety. I also personally see it as a good "middle ground" for people who are on opposite ends of the Second Amendment debate, because though it doesn't entirely satisfy either of their wants, the policy makes it so that not all guns are being taken away, and the age to buy one is simply increased. It is definitely a step in the right direction, and, as other people have suggested, has been a great publicity opportunity as well. Hopefully, more places that sell guns adopt similar policies.
Dick's new policy is a huge step for change. There are obviously loopholes, like not buying from Dick's but it's a good thing because other stores will hopefully follow suit.
I think Dick's sporting good set a tone and serves as a model for other retailers to follow suit. With the current political climate and White House admin, it is quite evident that gun reform is a subject that conservatives won't be willing to address unless it furthers the right of people to hold guns. Therefore, when private corporation and businesses take action , it presents an example of what society should move towards, and it indirectly reforms guns. If more big name brands start pushing to reforms their policies, it might influence and push the government itself to take action.
I am so glad that Dick's Sporting Goods has been taking initiative since post Sandy Hook. While their efforts may seem small and some can choose to believe that this won't change anything, this can have a heavy influence in the long run. I congratulate them on changing their policies in order to further prioritize safety and overall, taking even the smallest step forward is always better than doing nothing.
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