With the rise of tragic incidents spreading from the United States to the Old World, casting a shadow over civilian gun ownership, the debate around the so-called “gun culture” seems ever-present. But, pardon me — what culture are we really talking about?

What I observe in Western society, relentlessly promoted by media and entertainment industries, is not culture but anticulture — a widespread glorification of violence. In this narrative, the gun becomes a mere prop for harming others and spreading fear, choreographed for viewer excitement and profit. There is no culture in that. Calling it “culture,” regardless of context or intent, misuses the term. What dominates today is not “gun culture,” but various forms of an unchecked culture of fear and violence — eventually repackaged as entertainment, business, or amusement, and pushed by commercial interests. In essence, we are witnessing anticulture.

The gun — like the first sharpened stones, knives, bows, or arrows — was indeed invented to harm or deter. But it is context that gives it meaning. Historically, firearms have been used to provide food or protect life from wild game and other dangers — not solely to commit offensive violence or crime. Choosing to focus on the negative, ignoring the rest, and shaping the whole modern narrative around it is ultimately just that: a choice.

From a Slovenian perspective, gun culture means something else entirely. It means Rajmond Debevec, a celebrated sport shooter and Olympic champion. It means Boštjan Maček, a successful trap clay pigeon shooting competitor. It means Živa Dvoršak, a two-time Olympic competitor. It means Jakov Fak, a biathlete whose discipline fuses endurance with precision. And numerous competitors and disciplines more. It also points to the rich craftsmanship of Ferlach, just across the border — where firearms are handmade, ornately carved, engraved, and valued as works of art. This is where true gun culture lies: in sport, discipline, tradition, and artistry. Yes, such a culture exists. But it struggles to stand against the powerful entertainment industry of profane violence that seeks to shape — and ultimately consume — our minds.