Ebbie... as to "To me, it does not explain why after 10 or so generations we, as a society, are still embracing it."
"It" can be either slavery, unlimited guns..or both. There are, sadly, those who would happily embrace slavery if it were legal anywhere.

Because we are 200+ million people!

It moving West, the first 6-7 generations NEEDED weapons, both for hunting and for defense. (yes.. for offense, too, but that was not the same kind of 'need'.)

Did we need guns after 1885 or so? Not exactly, but by then most people assumed that was part of society... and in the process, many people who didn't actually need them found them fascinating and became collectors..etc....and they have that silly 2nd Amendment to wave at the more sensible among us!

So.."..we, as a society,.." do NOT embrace it. More than 50% would restrict guns much more than currently! It's just that the embracers have the upper hand...so far.