i’ve often wondered about this strange phenomenon myself. The obvious reason that comes to mind is that guns are weapons that make men feel masculine and strong (the fact that they are phallic in shape might have something to do with it – i think they are an extension of the male genital for some men). However, there is a cultural heritage attached to this seemingly violent display. Guns are often shot in the air at weddings in celebration, usually either by the groom or the grooms family as a show of strength and virility. A mating call if you will; an exhibition of sexual prowess. Gun shots are also fired in the air during funerals by close friends or family members often in a ritualistic dance to convey sympathy and respect for the deceased but also as a message to his/her family that reads ‘you are not alone, we are here to support you and give you strength’. Furthermore, guns are used to commemorate victory, much in the same ways that firework displays are used. Recently in Iraq they have even been used after triumphant football games to the extent where clouds of white smoke can be seen to completely cover the blue skies.

Having understood the cultural significance of these acts they don’t seem as threatening and at worst they appear primitive. Perhaps the bloody past of the arab peoples and no less violent present has been responsible for the AK 47 as the instrument of choice for festive occasions. Or even that due to almost uninterrupted warfare in countries like Palestine and Iraq, guns are sadly too close to hand. This is a tragedy not merely for those whose existence is never too far away from the sounds of fire arms but also for the way that arabs can be perceived globally; as gun toting, balaclava clad terrorists whose only way of communicating is with a rifle.

Nature vs. nuture…you have hit one of the oldest and complex arguements in the field of psychology…very complex subject…

But to me the easiest test about the how differently men and women are hard-wired has to do with porno and babies…

Watch the way women respond to babies…watch the way men respond to babies.

Watch how women respond to porno…watch how men respond to porno.

I have traveled some…and this type of phenomena is absolutely consistent…

Culture plays a role…but not like testosterone does.

Ayyyy..yay yay yay yay yay…ARRIBA!!!

Bam bam bam bam

Dudes are cool…”badge..badge…I don’t need no stink’in badge”….

Nothing like it…and I bet you don’t have lowriders in Jordan or Baharain…you are culturally backwards.

I believe I have a different answer here ….

I will talk about Jordanian traditions here ( Iraqis are very similar too)

Well, almost 100-130 years ago , whenever tribes (some are Bedouins) wanted to celebrate or announce something they would shoot some fires in the air only to inform others about something (e.g. wedding) as it was easier and better than sending messengers to other tribes.

That habit evolved until it’s seen now a mix of power, strength and victory.

Nope..its all about testosterone…men and women and wired different.

A guitar and a shot of tequila

you’re so right – that sounds much finer to me
Just another Tequila Sunrise..

“what else does a man need?”

A guitar and a shot of tequila.