The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Countering Gun Rights Haters on the Street and in the Press

Hiker 1 · July 16, 2014, 09:15 AM

There have been some excellent analyses on this thread.

Appearance is important. Dressing like a slob or toting an AR into a restaurant because "it is my right" does not win hearts and minds. Going to a gun-rights rally decked out in camo - not helpful.

Also, many pro-gun folks are only about guns. Have some other interests. A shared love of music, photography, sports, the outdoors, etc. can lead to a productive conversation about guns.

This is hard - but be an active listener and show a little empathy. A friend's wife and I were discussing prepping in case of a natural disaster and I asked if she had thought about a security plan. She said no, she was terrified of guns. I asked why. She said because of the violence they represent. I said I understood. Then I gently move to "we don't blame cars for drive-by shootings, though". An a-ha moment. She later agreed that going to a ladies-only shooting class would be a good idea.

Lastly, some people simply won't change. Recognize them and move on.

July 16, 2014, 09:15 AM	#37
Hiker 1 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 596	There have been some excellent analyses on this thread. Appearance is important. Dressing like a slob or toting an AR into a restaurant because "it is my right" does not win hearts and minds. Going to a gun-rights rally decked out in camo - not helpful. Also, many pro-gun folks are only about guns. Have some other interests. A shared love of music, photography, sports, the outdoors, etc. can lead to a productive conversation about guns. This is hard - but be an active listener and show a little empathy. A friend's wife and I were discussing prepping in case of a natural disaster and I asked if she had thought about a security plan. She said no, she was terrified of guns. I asked why. She said because of the violence they represent. I said I understood. Then I gently move to "we don't blame cars for drive-by shootings, though". An a-ha moment. She later agreed that going to a ladies-only shooting class would be a good idea. Lastly, some people simply won't change. Recognize them and move on.