AK-47 chic (Kids With Guns)

So now it's cool to sport an AK-47 accessory. I suppose it was only a matter of time. The AK-47 (Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года; Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1947 goda; "Kalashnikov's automatic rifle model of year 1947) is that really easy to get rifle...the one that's crazy-cheap in Africa...say around $20.00?
The list of countries and rebel groups that use them is the exact list of countries and rebel groups that make the West feel a bit queasy.
They're everywhere, just lying around, left in the hundreds-of-thousands by the Russians- produced by Pakistan for a pittance. Not really a fantastic weapon...but an equalizer in some respects.
Now, you too can own an AK-47. Not a real one, and they're quite a bit more than $20.00.
The iconic symbol of this rifle could be taken a number of ways. Maybe people want it to be ironic, or maybe a reminder of the destruction and death they cause (better as a necklace than a real gun?) Maybe it's a bit of a dig at the West (like those people who sport Communist stars on their Jansports). I kind of take it as a mixture of both. I was searching the internet today, and the amount of AK-47 crafty, jewelry-type things is amazing. They're the new zombies! I'm against guns in general, but I'm not opposed to the unexpected use of an AK-47 as an earring. It's a bit tasteless I suppose, and the novelty will wear off soon (if it hasn't already) but for now I'm seeing it as subversive.
Complete Technique AK-47 pendant $320.00
The only one less than the price of a real AK-47:
Wall Decals $18.00
The granddaddy of AK-47 decor: Phillipe Starck lamp (hey it goes back 3 years!) $1356.00

And the knock-off $500.00

For you crafty model-makers, Martin Postler's
Paper AK47 Kit: $42.00


It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.