Writer

The writer of the article “Why I Picked Up a Gun” is Tiffany Hyatt.

In her article, Hyatt describes herself and tells readers her story. We learn that she is an American woman who probably lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: “I remember driving home and passing a beautiful little house surrounded by crime scene tape. (…) Little did I know then, but the Baton Rouge Serial Killer had just left his first calling card.” (ll. 1-7). The writer is a 31-year-old single mother of four (l. 18) who, having this responsibility, living in a dangerous city (ll. 10-14), and having been raped and beaten by police officers (ll. 14-15), decided to carry a gun for self-defense.

After her own traumatic experience, Hyatt not only trained in safe gun use but also became an advocate for women carrying guns for self-defense. At the time when the article was published, Hyatt advised women on self-defense tactics at the gun store and firing range where she volunteered. (ll. 57-59)

Hyatt’s article itself aims to promote female gun use for self-defense. To achieve this intention, Hyatt tells readers more about her beliefs and motivation and explains why owning a gun can make a difference. Hyatt became a promoter of female gun use because ...