"My first rifle" - American children pose with their weapons
Young photographer Anne-Sophie Kestelane from Belgium lives and works in Amsterdam. She never held a weapon in her hands and saw him only with law enforcement officers. The idea for My First Rifle project came to Ann-Sophie in early May last year, when the world was shocked by the story of a five-year-old boy from Kentucky who accidentally shot his little sister. The boy received the gun from his father as a birthday present.
Ann Sophie decided to see for herself the attachment of Americans to weapons. For three weeks, she traveled to six American states and photographed several children with their own real rifles. According to the author, only 15 families out of a large number of homes she visited agreed to participate in this project. Most, having learned about what she wants to capture in the pictures, did not want to talk to her at all.
Introducing Anne-Sophie Kestelain's project My First Rifle, portraits of American children with their own real guns.
(Total 8 photos)
1. Near each photo is a piece of paper on which the children write about what or whom they are most afraid of. Children are sure that weapons will help them drive away their fears. In the photo: 8-year-old Abby, who is afraid of dinosaurs.
2. Benjamin, 7 years old. “My biggest fear is bears, because if you enter their territory, they will chase you for a long time.”
3. Abby, 7 years old. "I'm afraid of zombies and robbers."
4. Tatum, 6 years old. "I'm afraid of werewolves."
5. Hailey, 6 years old. "I'm afraid of sharks."
6. Lily, 6 years old. "I'm afraid of zombies."
7. “The parents of the children photographed take safety very seriously. They believe that if every good person had their own rifle or pistol, they could feel safe, ”says the author.
It is this approach that underlies the American tradition of giving children weapons. Parents believe that by giving their children a rifle, they will not only teach them how to use it safely from an early age, but also, if necessary, protect themselves from potential intruders.
8. The grave of 2-year-old Caroline, who was shot dead by her 5-year-old brother.
“I am neither for nor against. I just think giving your kids guns is like giving them car keys,” said Anne-Sophie Kestelane.