Do people in this country have a gun fetish? [View all]

A couple of days ago I received a video clip about gun control from an old friend who happens to be a Republican. The argument was that mass shootings are a problem that goes beyond gun control. As I was responding to my friend just now, a thought hit me: do (some) people in this country just have a gun fetish?

I accept that some people like to hunt (I accept it, but I don't understand it) and that therefore they need rifles or shotguns. Okay.

I can understand that some people like target shooting, either as a competitive sport or as a hobby. Okay there too.

I can understand that some like to collect antique or unusual guns. Fine there also.

And I can understand that some feel that they need a gun or two for self-protection due to where they live. No problem there.

But what I don't get is the need for arsenals at home: multiple guns and a hoard of ammo, plus all the "tactical" gear and the "take it over my dead body" tattoos and T-shirts. Or open carry.

Is it just a fetish?