>As Michael Moore points out in Bowling for Columbine, Canada has as
>many guns per capita, pretty much, but a far lower violent crime.
>esp. murder rate. One speculation is cultural:
Switzerland is another frequent counter-example. But what's key in Archer's argument is that it is the *combination* of American culture with access to guns that is critical.
>One speculation is cultural: this country developed a frontier macho
>ethic, no duty to
>retreat, shootout at the OK Corral -- nor just representations, but
>the sense of right of self-help,
>as one might put it, in dealing with conflict by force.
Again, Archer says Australia, New Zealand, and Canada had similar frontier stories, but currently have comparatively low homicide rates.
Not to mention there's a pretty big difference between a single action revolver like those used in the old west and the weapons available now.