Thursday, May 26, 2011

about that thing that's not really a thing

Since word seems to have gotten around the internet*, I wanted to clarify a few things about the upcoming June 5th open carry nonevent.

This is not a protest.
This is not a political statement.
This is not activism.
This is not an opportunity to stroll through the library with a shotgun.
This is not even an open carry walk.

This is going to the grocery store or for a walk in the park or out for a cup of coffee - just business as usual, minus a cover shirt.

Many of you will be open carrying for the first time. I know how daunting this is and I commend you for being willing to take that brave step into freedom. I also know, for a fact, that your perception of the world will change. And, so, in the hopes that we in turn can help change how the world perceives us, I'll be happy to publish your new-to-OC stories (and photos!) here.

*And, dude, really? Suggesting I "grow a set"? This is how you treat people who are already on your side?

14 comments:

Mike W. said...

"*And, dude, really? Suggesting I "grow a set"? This is how you treat people who are already on your side? "

I think most people (Mike especially) would prefer you not "grow a set." :P

It's sad that this post was even necessary, since I think all 3 of us were pretty clear initially about what this was. A non-event is a non-event.

breda said...

Well, I don't need to - I already have big brass ones, everyone knows that.

Gay_Cynic said...

Breda -

Perhaps a quibble. For a good long time in the LGBT community, most of us have considered "just not being in the closet" a form of minimalist activism.

It's harder to demonize a friend, sister, brother, co-worker etc that you *already know and like*, or apparently friendly/harmless unknown person. Being out fractures the paradigm - either slightly, with complete collapse later...or rather more thoroughly.

"Gee, this person that is is helpful, friendly, not-especially-scary".

Activism doesn't need to involve picket signs. :) Or even be on purpose. It doesn't even need to be confrontational in any traditional sense (I don't think "I'm sorry, I don't fit your stereotypes" counts..)

The more subtle form of the same thing is that it's harder to give folks who've overcome their fear of being different or of social rejection a ration without their speaking up and declining to accept said ration with a smile - something the bullies of the world count on.

This is a good thing you're doing. Just maybe on more levels than initially conceived. I like it.

Weer'd Beard said...

"Grow a Set"?


Don't they know legs don't just grow back?

Bubblehead Les. said...

Gee, talk about being Smug! Obviously, some of those people should take a look around the Blogosphere and see those pictures from the NRA Toy Show and Gunnie Prom and look at all the OC that occurred. "Grow a Set," HAH!

Technical Details: Ice Cream Stand? Nothing like a Chocolate Dip Cone with a Bersa on the Hip, eh? Also, I reserve the Right to wear a Sleeveless Shirt so I can "Bare Arms"!

Eagle said...

As much as I support open carry (although being a Texan I get no opportunity to OC myself), the crowd at OpenCarry.com seems to really work at being prickly.

Nancy R. said...

Maybe some OC for the attention. I'm hoping we can get to the point where OCing garners none. If, on that first Sunday in June, a store manager asks me to conceal or leave, I will not beat my chest and lecture them on the Constitution. Instead, I will politely comply. For me, it's not about scaring the horses.

instinct said...

I love how one guy suggested that it should be done on Flag Day so it has some significance

Talk about missing the point entirely.

Sigivald said...

If a goal is to "change how the world perceives us", I think that makes it "a political statement", to that extent.

Possibly also/instead it's "activism", of the least offensive and most effective sort.

Nothing wrong with either of those - but I can't see that it's not at least one of 'em.

tanksoldier said...

If, on that first Sunday in June, a store manager asks me to conceal or leave, I will not beat my chest and lecture them on the Constitution.

What lecture could there be? It's private property.

Good luck to all on OC Sunday.

Josh Kruschke said...

Damn it I just put a shine on the shotty. Now what am I going to do?

Breda = no fun.

;-)
Josh

Guffaw in AZ said...

The 'Dude' obviously doesn't know you.

Glenn B said...

For a non-event you are making an awfully big deal about it, even offering to blog about the non-events of others and include their pics. Seems like a pretty important event to me.

All the best,
GB

Kim said...

Wish I could join you... but OC is streng verboten here in TX.

So I'll just CC on campus next semester, when it becomes legal.

Happy June 5th OC, y'all.