I fully understand the point both of you are making, and agree in some ways with both. I don't have as big a problem with "gun porn" so to speak, but I am a bit turned off by the whole extremist/survivalist mentality (especially when it's shoved in my face at gun shows) and the whole "mall ninja" thing is just stupid really. Live and let live and all that, but as RH said if WE are a bit turned off by it, how does the average fence sitter feel when confronted by a guy with 17 years of food stored up, 20 "assault rifles" (remember this is viewpoint of an ill-informed fence sitter), who always seems to be wearing hunting clothes.SQLGeek wrote:Do the people that post pictures of their souped up cars, paintball guns, meticulously detailed rail road models or extensive stamp collections bother you in the same manner?RHENRIKSEN wrote:I've never seen 'fire extinguisher porn' threads, or 'seat belt porn' threads, of people posting lovingly staged beauty pictures of their car's seat belts, or fire extinguishers, or insurance policy documents.
The problem - I think - that antis and fence-sitters have relevant to above is that by drooling all over gun porn and such, it puts guns into the category of cars, fashion etc. (basically just swag) even though to these people guns are VERY DANGEROUS objects to be flaunting in this manner. rhenricksen's point is good that if we wish the "rest of the people" to see things our way, we need to consistently send the message that guns are sobering tools of safety, much like the seat belts and fire extinguishers mentioned above. They can ALSO be fun swag as well - going to a shooting range or other safe place to shoot is FUN. It's a tricky dichotomy that must be presented the right way.
This is why I promote dealing with these issues on a local level (and not on high from Wash DC). There is certainly a place for NRA bigwigs to lobby the politicians. But more focus should be placed on grassroots local efforts to "spread the good word" about gun ownership and gun rights and guns as a tool for safety and self-defense. When meeting new people who may have an issue with guns (if it comes up) I always like to start by honestly and forthrightly asking them why they feel this way, and leading them to divulge any past "bad experiences" with guns. You'd be amazed how many people are antis because of some past tragedy - their uncle was killed with a gun, they were mugged at gun point , etc.
And when - Thank God - someone WANTS to learn more about guns, maybe go shooting, or "try it out". I am ALWAYS happy to oblige and show them what I know in a very non-threatening way.
NRA should support these efforts in a way that doesn't thrust N R A into people's faces nor initially solicit donations or talk about all the "important" stuff like RKBA rights and "what have you done to defend 2A today?" etc. Let people enter the fray in their own time and their own way. I realize the NRA needs to raise vast amounts of money, but many are turned off by these efforts (NRA pamphlets in every new gun box etc). We get it, you want us to join and pledge money, but show us WHY we should join and stop laying guilt trips.
apologies for going off on a few tangents above ...
EDITED TO ADD: an idea of the type of "grassroots" efforts I'd like to see .... spread some of the NRA giant cash warchest around to local gun clubs, ranges etc with the purpose that they host a monthly free or discount "come learn to shoot" day. Have NRA members meet novices at the range and offer to let them shoot their guns or range rentals and let the range time be discounted or free, maybe even a free box of ammo. Spend a few dollars to advertise this in regular media (not on gun forums, except to find "instructors"), at churches, civic groups, try to reach moms, dads, regular folks at the hardware store, grocery store, Wal Mart, Target etc.
