"Stupid liberals" and guns

[Arizoner]

As I listen to the various podcasts and gun-related radio shows around, I have noticed something and I am compelled to comment on it...

First, in the interest of full disclosure, I should admit a little about my history.  Eight or ten years ago, you could probably have accurately described me as "a liberal".  (GASP!) Yes, it's true.  And yet, here I sit participating in a gun rights forum.  What happened?!  Well, I guess it could best be described as a cascade or domino effect.  It started with a shift towards fiscal and economic conservatism.  Other issues like national security soon followed suit,  and most recently, gun rights.  Oh, I still have what you would probably call "liberal" positions on lots of social issues.  But the old saying about getting older and swinging to the right must have some truth, because here I sit.  I used to be on the wrong side of gun rights.  Now I am armed and activist  

Do I still have liberal views on some civil and social issues? Definitely.  Could I be accurately described now as "a liberal"?  No.  Am I "conservative"?  Yeah, on some things.  Am I Republican?  Definitely not.  So where does that leave me and why does it matter?  Well, I guess if I HAD to choose I would say I am an Independent and a civil libertarian.

So what is my point in all this?  I'll get to it...

Now I frequently listen to a wide variety of gun-related podcasts and radio shows as an effort to educate myself.   Without fail, at least once a week, I hear a host make an off-handed comment about "stupid liberals" this, or "$%^ liberals" that.  Typically the context leads me to believe that the host doesn't even give much thought to the comment because it seems to be such standard fare in the gun culture... more a habit of speech than a thoughtful commentary.

I think this sort of thing is actually doing a huge disservice to the efforts of gun rights activism and in changing peoples views on the issue.  I understand emotions run high and "conservatives" will believe what they believe.  I am not suggesting to change anyone's mind.  But I hope that podcasters and hosts in particular will consider this:  Such comments alienate the very people whose minds we most need to change.

We are so frequently encouraged by many in this community to do everything we can to publicly portray gun owners as reasonable and responsible people; that this is the best way to educate the ignorant about responsible gun ownership.  Why can't we do the same thing over the airwaves?  Yet the language and tone of many broadcasters portrays an image of judgemental idealism that makes it completely understandable why anyone who may be on the fence about gun issues would hear such comments and write it off to right-wing quackery, dismiss your views, or worse, change the station.

All I am saying is that "stupid liberals" comments disregard the complexity of many people's political views and distill citizen's across the political spectrum down to convenient labels like "conservative" and "stupid liberal"; commentary like this dispersed throughout broadcasts makes for great pandering to your core audience, but it will definitely alienate anyone who may be on the fence on such issues, and will definitely not help the goal of winning over those who most need to be educated about gun rights and responsible gun ownership.

I'm just saying...

[tscentral]

I'm just saying...

and said it very well, thank you...

Hunter

[jallen201]

Well, since you threw it out there I guess I'll confess.  I'm a bit of a liberal myself.  My views on any particular subject are nuanced enough to piss off both sides, but the majority of gun owning America would call me a dirty liberal.  It's not that it hurts my delicate feelings; it does make me worry about the future of guns in America.  It's not worried the liberals are going to take away my guns.  For sure Obama is no friend to the shooting community, but most Democrats wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.  I'm worried about the other half of the population being alienated when you finally convince them to try out shooting and they hear about how the guy they elected president in fact hates America.  That just doesn't make for a friendly trip to the range, and that's exactly why they won't raise a peep when the legislation comes that will ban our "assault rifles."     

[Arizoner]

I'm worried about the other half of the population being alienated when you finally convince them to try out shooting and they hear about how the guy they elected president in fact hates America.  That just doesn't make for a friendly trip to the range...     

My point exactly.  Gun rights advocates can't expect to win anyone over or change anyone's mind if everything out of our mouths ("stupid liberals", "Obama hates America") alienates them.  It just makes us sound like crazy extremists.  It's a shame.  So counterproductive...

[Panhead Bill]

Well said, I mostly agree with you. There are lots of pro-gun liberals and some anti-gun conservatives. I think it is more a habit of speech than anything else, as I think most here understand that. We're not here about a republican-democrat or conservative-liberal issue, it's a freedom issue and there are people on both sides of the fence and from all parties that stand on either side of the gun issue.

Bill

[Arizoner]

I took the liberty of emailing a copy of my OP to a few hosts of various podcasts and radio shows.  The response had been positive and, by and large, they have taken my criticism in the spirit in which it was intended.  For that I am grateful.  By and large, I think most broadcasters/podcasters do a fine job.  My goal is simply to encourage gun owners to carefully guard the language they choose to express themselves.  Anything we can do to portray ourselves as reasonable, rational, and responsible can only help the gun rights movement.  Our speech is no different.  You never know who may be listening.

[mistertaco]

I'm trying to lead by example. Stay somewhat calm & try not to address the person, rather the issue.

Here's what kills me: Comments on MSM sites from both "sides" in addition to the producers, writers who put "stories" out there. Lot's of hurt, hate and negative stereotypes from the commenters. Lot of agendas by the producers & writers. These people represent our neighbors. Mean. The media does not tell both sides of the story correctly.

In private, in a small group; I don't mind at all the trash talking or stereotyping amongst good friends. It's fun and healthy. But out in public; it's another story.

[thebox]

I know I am late to this thread, but I wanted to give a +1 to Arizoner.  That post is what I think whenever I listen to the podcasts.  I find them fascinating and informative right up until the point that the Obama bashing starts.  I am a card carrying democrat, but I also believe in the Constitution and the freedom to defend myself and my family as I see fit.  I pretty much keep my views to myself though because I know I will be outnumbered and outcast.

Thanks Arizoner for speaking out.

[Christopher Burg]

Maybe it's because I have a lot of liberal friends but this is one thing that I've spent a lot of attention towards.  On Truth About Guns I do my ****est to avoid using the word liberal.  Instead of use anti-gunner, gun grabber, and gun control advocate.  Because let's be honest there are a lot of pro-gun liberals out there.

But yes a great point Arizoner.  When talking guns we need to direct our frustration towards those who are trying to ban guns, not simply everybody who's liberal.