Educating the Uneducated -- Thoughts?

[Taconista]

Hi, Y'all.

Most of the people in my life are so far left and so zombified it's not funny, and they have not even the first clue about guns. So many of those people don't even know what they are talking about or rallying against. I don't antagonize them (no matter how tempted), and I tend to play very neutral. I've been thinking about putting together a little video about guns, particularly semi-autos. Just a basic, non-political primer to introduce the uninitiated to gun safety, the difference between a clip and a magazine, parts of ammunition and what makes a bullet go, and how semi-autos work (including breaking one down and showing the insides). I figure someone might learn something and apply it to their thoughts and words. And, coming from someone they know and is often viewed as the normal, logical one, guns and gun people might not be so "scary" anymore. Pie in the sky dream would be to get one or two to come with me to the range. Do you think this is a good idea? (Next installment would be less neutral.) Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Jessica Carlson]

Several people I know are trying this option:

"To: All my friends on (fill in the blank).
If you are in favor of banning so called "Assault Rifles" I would like to extend to you an invitation. I want to give you the opportunity to come to the range with me and actually fire an "assault rifle". I have worked with these rifles for many years. Please give me the opportunity to educate you on these tools. I will be respectful of your views. It will not only be fun but you might learn that "Assault Rifles" Don't actually assault anyone. Please contact me if you are interested. Thank you Friends."

Hi, Y'all.

Most of the people in my life are so far left and so zombified it's not funny, and they have not even the first clue about guns. So many of those people don't even know what they are talking about or rallying against. I don't antagonize them (no matter how tempted), and I tend to play very neutral. I've been thinking about putting together a little video about guns, particularly semi-autos. Just a basic, non-political primer to introduce the uninitiated to gun safety, the difference between a clip and a magazine, parts of ammunition and what makes a bullet go, and how semi-autos work (including breaking one down and showing the insides). I figure someone might learn something and apply it to their thoughts and words. And, coming from someone they know and is often viewed as the normal, logical one, guns and gun people might not be so "scary" anymore. Pie in the sky dream would be to get one or two to come with me to the range. Do you think this is a good idea? (Next installment would be less neutral.) Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[BluesStringer]

If it's important that you be the narrator/instructor because it's only for your family and friends, there's certainly nothing wrong with trying. Just don't set your expectations too high. Many, if not most, anti-gunners are deeply-entrenched in their positions, and pressure to come off those positions could do more harm than good to your relationship(s).

If it's intended as a general consumption kind of thing, there are already hundreds of such videos you could find on YouTube. It probably wouldn't even be as much work to search for, just as an example, "AR15 for Beginners," and find slick, highly-polished productions by professionals. Or plug in any search terms that fit the weapons you want demonstrated, or the tactics you want them to see, what have you.

I found as a young musician/songwriter that as many people in my family and circle of friends couldn't have cared less to hear a new recording or song, as those who were always interested in hearing them. If you expect that your friends and family are going to be receptive to your trying to influence their viewing choices, you're likely to get disappointed. Especially about a subject which, for some inexplicable reason, they think they're taking some deep, humanitarian stand in opposing guns. I'm not saying it isn't worth a try. Only you know whether the relationships you're attempting to influence can withstand your efforts. I'm just saying try, but don't get disappointed if it doesn't work.

Blues