As has been pointed out, there are many reasons we own them. We don't own them because we "need" them (though some people truly do), we own them because we are allowed to and we want to.
I LOVE to hunt, even though I don't get to do it as much as I'd like (I've got bills to pay, just like everybody else). Yes, there is a certain warm, fuzzy feeling I get at night when I know if some not-very-pleasant guys break into my house (which is not likely), I'll stand a much better chance of surviving. The main reason I own them and shoot them is simply because it is an enjoyable and very satisfying activity. Seeing your marksmanship improve is very rewarding, whether it is putting holes in very small areas on a paper target, or watching clay targets disappear in a puff of blue dust. Not only that, there are a lot of BEAUTIFUL guns out there. Owning a fine firearm is like owning a functional piece of art or a very nice car, only they (usually) cost much less. All you have to do is look at some websites of companies that make expensive double barrel shotguns, and you'll see what I mean.
We don't see her on the board anymore, but there was a member named Vagabond. She is a very dear friend of mine, and she used to hate guns. Once I warmed her up to the idea a little (by being your average gun-owning American and not being stupid), I took her to the range. That was the end of her anti-gun days. Once she shot my .357 magnum, she was just as addicted as the rest of us.
Yes, there are quite a few people out there that are very close to crazy and probably should not have guns. There are the short-fused idiots that run their mouth and say the stupidest things imaginable in the presence of the anti's and give us a bad image. There are even the idiots that go to shooting ranges and act stupid and irresponsible and risk causing injury or death to innocent bystanders. Fortunately, they are a small minority, and the much larger society of RESPONSIBLE gun owners usually do a good job of keeping them in line.
We are certainly not trying to convince you to become an avid gun nut like us, we're certainly not trying to convince you to go out and try to buy one of your own. We will treat you like any other uninformed person on the street asking the same questions, and we will simply try to help you understand why WE do it. If it were possible and you were interested, I'd gladly take you to a local range and cover all expenses so you could try it out in a proper setting. Once people actually try it, they usually understand it, and most of the time they even enjoy it! Having proper instruction makes every bit of difference, as it makes sure that you have an enjoyable and SAFE experience.
Good luck with your paper. I hope it turns out well. You're welcome here anytime. We'll be glad to answer any questions you may have.