Shootouts, Dueling, and American History

http://ultimatehistoryproject.com/dueling.html

Challenges could arise from even the smallest of perceived grievances, depending only on how easily an individual was offended. Many men rightfully feared that their words or actions, however they might have been intended, would lead to a fight from which there was little chance of escape.

Are modern day shootouts equivalent to dueling? An interesting theory. I say yes and no. Before you get mad, keep reading, as a cursory research of dueling reveals the following:

1. Some offense, either perceived or real, occurs.

2. The offended challenges the offender to a duel.

3. Both parties engaged in a duel, adhering to the specific rules.

4. The duel is ended when someone dies, is injured, or the offended party deems his honor satisfied.

Modern day shootouts:

1. Some offense, either perceived or real, occurs.

2. The offended retaliates against the offender with guns.

3. The problem is resolved when the offender dies, is injured, or the offended party feels satisfied.

The difference between the two is the modern day shootouts don’t have “national rules,” aren’t sanctioned by the government, and innocent bystanders and children die.

The point I’m trying to make, is people shooting each other over a perceived or real offense, is as old as America. Killing each other over offense, either perceived or real, is as old as humanity.

It took nearly a century after Benjamin Franklin had called it a “murderous practice” before dueling began to decline in popularity.

Even back then, national leaders were decrying the practice, just as national leaders are decrying people shooting each other in 2022.

What am I saying? People shooting each other, has, and always will be sad, and it will always be a part of American history.