Gun culture? Or global gun fascination?

I am not a gun advocate or anti-gun at this point in my life. I can see that both sides make valid points. What I am more interested in is the discussion of why people and especially children are so drawn to guns? I played “army guy” with stick guns as a child but, have never purchased a gun as an adult.

This child on Ilian Island obviously came from a very poor home that has few possessions yet the toy provided him by someone was a shotgun. Why? And why was he so drawn to it? I think both questions are valid for a civil and respectful discussion.