Samuel L. Jackson: 'I Don't Think It's About More Gun Control'
Samuel L. Jackson is adamant that gun control isn't the answer to what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School Friday. 20-year-old Adam Lanza killed 20 children and six staff at the elementary school, firing over 100 shots before committing suicide.
Samuel L. Jackson, who grew up in Chattanooga, Tenn., revealed that he grew up around weapons, yet never killed anyone. His views are in stark contrast to the role he often plays in movies as the gun-wielding anti-hero.
"I don't think it's about more gun control," the 63-year-old told The Los Angeles Times in an interview. "I grew up in the South with guns everywhere and we never shot anyone. This [shooting] is about people who aren't taught the value of life."
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While critics point out that Jackson's characters in movies rarely teach the value of life- in "Pulp Fiction," he was a cold-blooded killer and he will appear in the upcoming violent Quentin Tarantino movie "Django Unchained"- the actor doesn't feel that banning media violence is the answer either. Instead, the people behind the guns need to be evaluated, he said.
"I don't think movies or video games have anything to do with it," Jackson said. "We need to stop deranged people from getting access to guns."
To Jackson's credit, he has taken part in public service announcements against gun violence in inner city areas. Last year he asked the public to "break the cycle" of harm done by criminal violence.
The actor's opinion on gun control is at odds with some of Hollywood, though most everyone agrees that something must be done about the level of violence in America.
"How much more suffering & loss will it take before we better regulate the sale of arms in our country? Let @NRA know how you feel," Susan Sarandon tweeted.
"Gun control is no longer 'debatable'- it's not a 'conversation'- It's a moral mandate," Mia Farrow agreed.
Their stance on gun control could soon become a reality. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) revealed Sunday that she will again introduce a bill to ban assault weapons.
