A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that across all political and social groups in the United States, there is a strong preference against living near AR-15 rifle owners and neighbors who store guns outside of locked safes. This surprising consensus suggests that when it comes to immediate living environments, Americans’ views on gun control may be less divided than the polarized national debate suggests.

The research was conducted against a backdrop of increasing gun violence and polarization on gun policy in the United States. The United States has over 350 million civilian firearms and gun-related incidents, including accidents and mass shootings, have become a leading cause of death in the country. Despite political divides, the new study aimed to explore whether there’s common ground among Americans in their immediate living environments, focusing on neighborhood preferences related to gun ownership and storage.

  • Flying Squid
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    17 months ago

    Ah, so you do know what it means. Then I’m not sure why you suggested it meant 100% of the population.

    • Frog-Brawler
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      17 months ago

      You’re clearly still misunderstanding and misusing the term. “General population” is 100% of itself.

      • Flying Squid
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        17 months ago

        Everything is 100% of itself.

        A pear is 100% of itself. Even if you eat part of it, it’s still 100% pear.

        • Frog-Brawler
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          17 months ago

          You’re almost there…

          Now when you say “a pear” you’re not taking about portions of the pear, you’re talking about the whole thing.

          So when you say “general population…” without qualifying the specific portion you’re referring to… go ahead, I’ll let you say it…

          • Flying Squid
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            17 months ago

            Yes, I am referring to 100% of the people to whom I am referring. I’m not sure why you think that is a great revelation. I’m talking to 100% of you right now.

            • Frog-Brawler
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              17 months ago

              100% of me is a % of the general public. Thus, the general public does not agree that all AR-15 owners are conservative dickbags.

              • Flying Squid
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                17 months ago

                So you’re saying that if I claim “the general public likes chocolate” and you personally don’t like chocolate, it isn’t true?

                • Frog-Brawler
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                  17 months ago

                  Correct.

                  If you want to say “there’s a percentage of the general population that likes chocolate,” that would be a true statement; but by the same account, it also means “there is a percentage of the general population that does not like chocolate.” The former implies the latter, and when it breaks down like that, you’re really not saying fuck-all.

                  Provide some percentages.

                  • Flying Squid
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                    17 months ago

                    So you do think “general public” means “100% of the population.”

                    Good luck getting the rest of the world to agree with you on that. That’s certainly not what I meant.