Duggars Give Son, 16, a Gun for Christmas, Outraging Social Media

The Duggars of "19 Kids and Counting" have outraged many on social media after giving their 16-year-old son, Jedidiah, a shotgun for Christmas.

The family posted photos from Christmas on their Facebook page, including one of Jedidiah holding his new shotgun. The photo sparked a heated debate and widespread attention on news outlets.

Comments began to roll in on the Duggars’ Facebook page, including these:

“Oh dear. Only in America is it appropriate to give a kid a gun for Christmas.” Posted by Catherine Kennedy.

“I live in the uk and in all my 42 years I have NEVER even seen a gun in real life. So glad that we have a completely different approach to guns over here.” Posted by Lindsey Pope.

“i could go on for quite a while of why this is soooo wrong.” Posted by Helen Riley.

“You can give your child of 16 a car which is just as big of a responsibility but it is all about context.” Posted by Clarissa Koehn Moulder.

“My Lord, they hunt you know. Part of the area they live in! Give it a break.” Posted by Mary Jo Bechtel.

“Good for his parents. I had my first shotgun when I was 12. I have hunted all of my life. What a great sport!” Posted by Larry W. Houchin.



Twitter users weighed in on the debate.

I don't know why people are giving the Duggars so much crap for giving their son a hunting gun at 16.....

— Victoria (@victtoria79) January 6, 2015

The Duggars slammed 4 giving their 16 yr old son a gun. How else can he capture a wife & commit her to birthing hordes of kids? @absrdNEWS

— Jennifer Kolkin (@JKolkin) January 6, 2015

So people are mad the Duggars bought their 16 yr old son a gun ? LOL. I know people who got their 1st gun when they were 7 and 8 years old.

— Willie (@Gotmadskillzson) January 6, 2015

@fishwrapped The Duggars are a strange bunch, but seriously? This is not a big deal, it is good to teach responsible gun ownership. #whining

— Nick Morpus (@muhroadz) January 6, 2015

Related Stories:

• Petition to Cancel '19 Kids and Counting' for Anti-Gay Views Gains Steam
  
• Jill Duggar Wedding Gift Registry Lists Guns, Ammo, Neon Duct Tape