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The Three Anti-Gun Types

In my experience there are three basic types of 'antis' (anti-gun people).

Type 1 Antis are the most common. Their dislike of guns is based primarily on ignorance. Most of their information on guns has come to them from movies and television. They're reflexivley anti-gun, having never given the matter much thought.

Type 2 Antis are driven by emotion. Many of them have deep personal reasons for their stance, often involving the loss of a loved one.

Type 3 Antis are driven by idealogy. This is a subtle difference from the Type 2's but a crucial one. Type 3's know what the Second Amendment says, and what it means and that's why they hate it. They want to be the priviledged elite it guards against.

So, how should you deal with these three types?

Type 3 Antis should be met with scorn, ridicule, and mockery. Facts are poison to them and their position so use them liberally. Note that they'll often hide behind Type 2's.

Type 2 Antis are generally deserving of our sympathy and understanding. We may disagree with their stance but it's an honest one. Feel free to talk to them and explain that while you sympathize with their pain you do not agree with their stance.

The Type 1 Antis are where you want to spend your time. Most of these folks can be brought around to the 'Pro' side with a little work.

Engage them in friendly conversation. Add facts to a discussion but don't browbeat them. Most importantly, take them shooting!

Don't grab your biggest gun and get set to laugh, get the .22's out and schedule some time. Explain to them that it's going to be a two-step process: First you'll sit down somewhere comfortable and go over gun safety and how the guns work. The only ammo around will be there for them to look at and will be put away before the guns are handled. Once at the range be sure to test the gun before you have them try it. Start small and let them decide if they want to move up. The most important thing is to make sure they stay safe and have fun. Don't worry about changing their mind - let that happen by itself. After all, how many people don't have fun at the range?

Odds are good that you'll leave the range with someone who's at least on their way to our side of the debate. And if not, well, you did at least get some range time in.

Great advice

Great advice, we need to spend our time where it can do the most good.

I had a co-worker who had a fear of guns to the point of phobia. Nothing in her past that I knew of, she agreed with the Second on an intellectual basis, but she'd not enter a house with guns unless she knew they were locked up. It's too bad, because she was a fun loving girl outside that.

  • By Rustmeister at 2006-11-03 17:23
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Thanks!

Thanks!

I made a note over at Uncle's place that I have a follow up already rattling around my skull that I need to write out. Basically my thesis is that you can't talk anybody out of their position. Someone who hasn't really made up their mind yet you can convince, of course, but if they've actually made a choice they're set.

But what you can do is discuss things with them, lay out your side of the argument, perhaps answer some of their concerns, and get out of the way. Let them think about it. Like all the books say "Change must come from within." In the case of your Type 2 co-worker all you can do is let her know that you're there if she ever wants to work on her phobia.

Enjoy!

KCSteve :-)

  • By KCSteve at 2006-11-03 18:27
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Sunday's Blog of the Week

Good article Steve. I highlighted it in my Sunday's Blog of the Week featuring The Gun Blogs.

Most importantly, take them shooting!

That is the best thing we can do to convert anti's to pro's.