A sizable portion of US culture idolizes self-reliance and independence. So, prioritizing gun ownership is consistent with that. The other side of this ethos is looking down on those who must be given services rather than "earn" them. Similarly, a sizable segment of the population pays taxes or paid taxes during their working lives and is angry when people receive benefits that they had to pay for. This anger is exacerbated by the preponderance of earnings cliffs, systemic fraud, and lack of oversight.