Loaded

A Disarming History of the Second Amendment

By: Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Narrated by: Laural Merlington

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

With President Trump suggesting that teachers arm themselves, with the NRA portrayed as a group of "patriots" helping to Make America Great Again, with high school students across the country demanding a solution to the crisis, everyone in America needs to engage in the discussion about our future with an informed, historical perspective on the role of guns in our society. America is at a critical turning point. What is the future for our children?

Loaded: A Disarming History of the Second Amendment is a deeply researched - and deeply disturbing - history of guns and gun laws in the United States, from the original colonization of the country to the present. As historian and educator Dunbar-Ortiz explains, in order to understand the current obstacles to gun control, we must understand the history of US guns, from their role in the "settling of America" and the early formation of the new nation, and continuing up to the present.

©2018 Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (P)2018 Tantor

Critic reviews

"You simply cannot understand the United States and its disastrous gun-mania without the brilliant Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz as a guide." (Astra Taylor, author of The People's Platform: Taking Back Power and Culture in the Digital Age)

best nonfiction the complete history of america

this true story is intense and relentless. i see a hopeful little boy believing in heroes by never knowing the truth. now i understand how we got here. now it all makes sense.

Compelling new(?) thesis on a well-worn topic

Not the same old "well regulated militia" argument. Acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of the standard arguments made by both sides of US gun debate. Packed with historical details - will be worth listening to twice. Thankfully, the narrator is excellent and doesn't distract from the content.

Extremely important historical telling.

This book is not easy, but it is so very Important to everyone living in America today. This is our history, our karma, our responsibility to understand and teach. Dunbar-Ortiz does it again after "An Indigenous History of the US" Also a must read. It took a very long time for the audio version of LOADED to be produced. Dunbar-Ortiz is a force of nature.

abolish guns requires INCREASE BLACK WOMEN

I love this book and it's thorough truths. US Imperialism requires white gun shooting murderousness from its beginning.
Loaded
shows that to abolish guns requires we abolish whiteness.

The real history of guns and gun culture

I wasn't taught any of this. Thank goodness for Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz for unpacking conservative and liberal myths about the destrucive construction of the United States.

Unveiling the Truth About US Gun Obsession

"Loaded: A Disarming History of the Second Amendment" is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched book that delves into the complex and often misunderstood history of the Second Amendment. Authored by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, an acclaimed historian and activist, this book offers a critical examination of the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped the United States’ relationship with guns and gun rights. Here’s why this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the true implications of the Second Amendment.

-Comprehensive Historical Context
Dunbar-Ortiz does an exceptional job of tracing the origins of the Second Amendment back to the earliest days of America. With a narrative that is both engaging and enlightening, she explores how the right to bear arms was intricately linked to colonialism, slave patrols, and the suppression of Native peoples. Her analysis extends beyond the legal texts to consider the cultural and socio-economic factors that have perpetuated the proliferation of firearms in American society.

-Unflinching Analysis
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its fearless exploration of sensitive and complex themes. Dunbar-Ortiz challenges the popular narratives that often romanticize the frontier spirit and the minutemen of the Revolutionary War. Instead, she presents a compelling argument that the Second Amendment was designed as a tool for maintaining control over slaves and colonized populations. This perspective is supported by extensive citations and evidence, making it a rigorous academic resource as well as a fascinating read.

-Engaging and Accessible Writing
Despite the depth of its analysis, "Loaded" remains accessible and engaging for a wide audience. Dunbar-Ortiz employs a clear and direct writing style that makes complex historical and legal concepts easy to understand. This approachable narrative ensures that readers from all backgrounds can appreciate the insights and arguments presented in the book.

-Implications for Today
"Loaded" is not just a history book; it is a critical tool for understanding contemporary debates surrounding gun control and rights in the United States. Dunbar-Ortiz connects historical data to current events, providing a layered understanding of how past injustices and policies continue to affect modern society. Her conclusions are compelling and deeply relevant, offering a unique lens through which to view today’s issues.

-Conclusion
"Loaded: A Disarming History of the Second Amendment" is a profound and impactful book that sheds light on one of the most debated topics in American discourse. Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s fearless critique and thorough research make this book an essential read for anyone looking to understand the true story behind the Second Amendment. It is an enlightening, challenging, and ultimately enlightening journey through America's complex relationship with guns—one that could change the way you think about gun rights and regulations.

Overall, this book is a standout work that manages to be both informative and transformative, making it a valuable addition to the conversation about America’s future and its past.

Banks

One odd comment about a note left by a gunman that said the federal reserve is owned by foreign banks. It is

Groundbreaking history of the US

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz has written yet another volume of history as eloquent and informative as it is devastating. If you thought you knew everything about how settler-colonialism in the United States functioned historically, and how it -- and its accompanying culture of guns and violence -- continues to dominate society today, think again, and read (or listen to) this book.

A white mans awakening

This work was fascinating to listen to just as much as it was painful. Painful in an emotional way and not physical. I am white, and i know my race is soaked in the blood of thousands in this country. This book enlightens the listner to the painful reality. Our country is empowered and founded by racist and now extremely entrenched dogma that is often commercialized into a pretty package and sold as "freedom." I own 12 guns, and after listening to this book all i want to do is sell them. I want to truly be free of my hypocrisy. I dont want to be a part of the problem. I want to be on the right side of history.

This text is already a classic, essential reading!

This text is indispensible for understanding our historic context and how to be meaningfully engaged