Fan Mail: Buss Ya Gun???

A few weeks ago, we received mail from a supporter who posed an inquiry/suggestion about our Buss Ya Gun.. t-shirt.

Instead of bust your gun I think empty your clip could work better if you are thinkin’ of advocating less gun violence. Love the stuff either way… Just an idea if you are reprinting them….
One Love – Ben

Hey Ben,

First off, thanks for your thoughts. I like the fact that you didn’t just criticize the design, but you offered a suggestion. And what a great suggestion it is, indeed. I really appreciate that. Oftentimes, one complains or criticize without offering a solution. The only way to come to a common understanding is to propose an alternative perspective that promotes thought. That’s the first step.

The bust your gun design came as a result of witnessing the advocacy of the right to bear arms through hip hop, the streets and through pro-arms supporters of the Second Amendment of the Constitution. We are not major supporters of guns on the streets, however we questioned what would be reasons why someone would want to “bust their gun”… in a way to provoke thought on this topic. So, we listed a few “responsible” reasons why someone would want to bear arms: Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Freedom, Justice, Equality, Food, Clothing, Shelter, Love, Peace & Happiness! Which we acknowledge as the “12 Jewels of Life”. We also added on more to the equation…Family!

Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding: this represents education, the passion of expanding ideas and perspective. Throughout history societies have been robbed of this basic principle, leaving them in both mental and social bondage. The church, governments and monarchs have deprived their constuitents of the later..forcing a revolution of sorts.

Freedom, Justice, Equality: this is what our constitution (America) was supposedly founded on. All the revolutions and wars thereafter sort to defend this creed (atleast perceptively – this is up for debate, however.) Lets keep in mind that many of the rebels of the American Revolution consisted of property owners, farmers, and just regular citizens protecting their country, and liberty from the Brits.

Food, Clothing, Shelter: the basic necessities of living. I believe if anyone is delibritly held away from this long enough will be force to bear arms to feed themselves and their families..or atleast defend it!

Love, Peace Happiness: these three elements are the principles of harmony, and without harmony leaves chaos. Chaos is the only reason why there are guns in circulation in the first place. Personally I choose not to bear arms. I beleive in martial arts as a mechanism to maintain harmony and self defense. However, we must be able to step outside of our own comfort zone, or perspective to get a wholistic view on things. As with many other topics I may not choose to bare arms for myself..but I could see why one may find the need to.

Family: This is self-explanatory. Protect the home and loved ones from harm!

Peace.

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Tags: 12 Jewels, 2nd Amendment, buss ya gun, Bust Ya Gun, the right to bear arms

Live To Change Something | Rasupreme March 4, 2010

2 Comments

By Daoud *Brooklyn Sheikh*, March 4, 2010 @ 9:48 PM

cant forget one of the most important “FAMILY” which makes it 13
By Jabril, April 18, 2010 @ 10:31 PM

Peace,

Ive always liked the design and juxtaposition of ideas in this shirt. I think Bens point is quite valid and maybe you could consider offering two versions of the shirt – one with Bens idea and one with the original text?

On the other hand I also really like the explanation for the choice of language as it is. In particular I think taking the arguably negative idea of busting a gun and essentially reappropriating and reframing it in a positive way is a powerful philosophical and educational moment. Taking a dominant ideology, reframing it, and using it as a means to question that theme provides a powerful stage on which to both re-examine the specific ideology but is also more broadly a means for all individuals, regardless of their particular background, to engage in revolution. For what is revolution if not taking hegemony and flipping it on its head as a means to question the very foundation it rests on?

Moreover, I think that in light of todays political climate and debate around gun rights this shirt is particularly relevant. The supreme court is set to decide very soon whether the right to bear arms is in fact a fundamental right – meaning a right deserving of heightened constitutional protection. The decision will likely significantly impact the ability of states to regulate guns and will likely invalidate many handgun regulations in many urban areas. This is definitely something that should be talked about.

Here is a link about this case for those interested: http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2009/2009_08_1521