[Glenn E. Meyer]

That is an empirical question. We don't really know that in today's world, more exposure to open carry will habituate folks or prime them to be more negative.

Either is possible and probably will happen in some cases.

If the balance of folks take it negatively, then the OC is for social change as compared to tactical advantage will be misguided.

I can make the case for both processes. I will opine that with rampages occurring periodically you will get what is called an availability cascade where negative attitudes towards seeing guns in public will become viewed as threatening. Guys with guns are just seen as threats.

I don't think increasing concealed carry does that as it is seen as defensive and not posturing.