At least, that’s what The New Republic is spouting. Well, they’re saying the NRA is finished, which amounts to the same thing.
Of course, our side is pooh-pooing the idea. That’s because we understand that the NRA is not the pro-gun movement. It is, of course, the 800-lb. legislative gorilla, but it’s not the driving force – culture is.
Back in December, Salon cooed over the cancellation of Discovery Channel’s reality-themed shows American Guns and Ted Nugent’s Gun Country:
In the wake of the devastating school massacre in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14, Discovery has canceled two gun-themed shows.
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On Monday, the network announced that “‘American Guns’ concluded earlier this year,” adding, “Discovery Channel chose not to renew the series and has no plans to air repeats of the show.” Yet Deadline notes that Discovery is conspicuously not airing reruns of the show as well. The network is likewise bidding adieu to “Ted Nugent’s Gun Country,” with a confirmation that Nugent will not be returning any time soon.
They did allow, however:
Discovery has also recently 86′ed “Dirty Jobs” and “American Chopper.”
The New York Times also proclaimed in December of last year, Gun-Focused Reality TV Shows Get New Scrutiny After Newtown Killings. So where are we with “gun-themed” TV shows today, after Tucson, Aurora, and Newtown?
Add to that “reality shows” where everyday firearm use is normal:
And this list doesn’t include specialty “sportsman” channel shows like the Outdoor Channel’s:
and about a dozen others. But that top list? Discovery, History Channel, CMT, Animal Planet, Arts & Entertainment Television.
The re-normalization of America’s good gun culture proceeds apace. Which is why we have grassroots support and they have to get along with astroturf.