Racism, Guns, and Identity in Texas History

This chapter explores the historical backdrop of Texas gun laws, revealing their racially motivated implications aimed at disarming African Americans and reinforcing white supremacy. Through the lens of Harlan Carter's formative years in Laredo, it discusses the intersection of law enforcement, immigration, and systemic racism. The narrative also addresses violent confrontations and evolving societal attitudes toward crime, punishment, and self-defense, linking past injustices to contemporary issues.