2A Attitude: Be a Voice, Not an Echo

One of my goals for 2020 is to be a voice for my own beliefs and not just echo the beliefs and values of others. This goal can apply to so many values and one is the second amendment.

Recently, my boyfriend and I started to get to know some new friends. We all had lunch together and when I started talking about my passion for shooting and self-defense, the subject was quickly changed. After we left, my boyfriend pointed out to me that our new friends clearly did not like the topic of firearms, but I knew that before I started talking about it. I wanted to take that opportunity to stand up for something that has been an important part of my life. I wanted to talk about one of the interests that my boyfriend and I have in common. They asked me to tell my story and I wanted to tell the whole thing.

In my opinion, building a friendship with someone means I am going to be open about my identity. (Obviously, there is a time and a place for talking about something like guns and I only do so when I feel it is appropriate.) If I am going to be friends with someone, I want them to accept me for who I really am. I don’t want to hide something that I believe in. There are so many stereotypes out there about gun owners, and I know that I don’t fit into those stereotypes. I think that it is beneficial to demonstrate what a responsible gun owner looks like. Part of being a voice entails not echoing the stereotype.

When being a voice rather than an echo, we need to keep in mind the intention behind it. The purpose of being a voice for the second amendment isn’t to scare people or make them feel uncomfortable. The purpose shouldn’t be to try to change someone’s mind either. They are entitled to their beliefs just as we are entitled to ours. I think the purpose of being a voice is to educate. We need to teach people that responsible gun owners aren’t scary or dangerous. We need to create an environment of mutual respect and help others to keep an open mind. Being a voice for the second amendment doesn’t mean we should advertise that we carry a gun every day. It can just be a simple conversation where you make your stance clear in a respectful way.

In the situation with my new friends, I could have just not said anything and pretended that I think about things the same way that they do. I could have just echoed their beliefs, but I chose to have my own voice. We are still friends and we still have respect for each other. We may disagree about things like the second amendment and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s easier to be an echo, but being a voice for the second amendment is so important, especially during this time when it is being threatened. My goal for 2020 is to be a voice for responsible gun ownership and I encourage all of you to do the same.