Ep 5. Under The Gun

In season 7 episode 5 of the documentary series This is Life with Lisa Ling, titled Under The Gun, Lisa Ling dives deep into the complex and controversial issue of guns in America. She starts her journey in West Virginia, where she meets with a group of people who are passionate about guns and conservative values. Lisa attends a gun show with them, where she observes the culture and understanding surrounding guns.

Then, Lisa heads to Chicago, a city that has been plagued with gun-related violence for decades. She meets with former gang members, victims of gun violence, and community-based programs that seek to keep people out of gangs and hold criminals accountable.

Next, Lisa travels to Texas, where she meets with both supporters and critics of the state's open carry laws. She feels the tension between those who openly carry guns and those who feel threatened by that behavior.

In Arizona, Lisa spends time with members of a large, tight-knit family who are avid gun enthusiasts and regularly go to the shooting range together. She gains insight into how firearms can bring families together and become a recreational activity.

Lastly, Lisa visits Washington D.C, where she interviews lawmakers on both sides of the gun control debate about the possibility of passing new laws to curb gun violence. She also meets with survivors of gun violence, who share their personal stories and the devastating aftermath of gun shootings.

Throughout the episode, Lisa Ling navigates varying perspectives on guns in America and the complicated factors that contribute to the high rate of gun-related deaths in the country. She sheds light on the cultural, social, and political influences that shape the ongoing discussion surrounding guns and gun violence in America.