Childhood gunslinger reflections: Changes in toy gun perception

National Sibling Day recently brought back a memory of a vintage photo of my brother Andy and me engaged in play with our toy guns. This photo, taken in 1958, was heavily frowned upon by a millennial friend. Her confusion was understandable, especially knowing my commitment to advocating for gun control as an artist and writer. Nonetheless, I am part of the last generation that innocently played with toy guns during their childhood.

Growing up in Long Island in the 1960s, it was common for children to play with toy rifles, handguns, and shotguns. Whether shooting out harmless corks or safe plastic pellets, in the suburban neighborhood of Long Island, playing with toy guns was a normal part of life. As a Jewish girl, it was fairly unusual for me to be fascinated with firearms; however, the mid-century American gun culture was responsible for my growing interest. Guns were everywhere on our screens—gangster shootouts, World War II battles, and Western showdowns—the American gun culture was alive and well.

My specific interest in guns can be traced back to an Official Roy Rogers Western Rifle I wanted for Christmas in 1958. This rifle was the real deal, and it sparked a temporary passion for firearms in my family that would not last long. My father and grandfather, both city dwellers, had little to no affinity for firearms.

Eventually, the mention of guns lost its innocent charm as they became the symbols of the tragic assassinations that marked American history. The initial charm of the Roy Rogers rifle, which now hangs on the wall in my office, has been replaced by an eerie connection to the present day, as a red MAGA hat dangles from its handle. The shift in gun perceptions in society is visually reflected—a testament to how far we have come.