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How do you explain it to people who're pro-gun but didn't grow up owning them? I've had some conversations with freedom lovers over the years where I'd describe something as perfectly normal and they'd look at me as if I just announced I like to paint myself blue and march around my yard. Not hostile responses, but confused responses.

e.g. I learned to shoot before I could read. Of course I had guns when I was four - didn't you? Preteens shooting guns unsupervised - sure, so long as they're strong enough to carry and shoot the gun (e.g. .22LR is great for youngsters, particularly lighter youth models). Leaving guns lying around the house is perfectly normal - you just teach gun safety the same as you'd teach kids not to play with knives or run in the street. Locking up guns is crazy unless you're worried about thieves while you're out of town - would you lock up a hammer or screwdriver? Taking kids hunting and cleaning game afterwards is great - that way they learn to appreciate dinner and aren't pansies who faint at the prospect of butchering an animal. Calling the cops is a joke - where were they the last time I got mugged? Doesn't everyone experience tragic boating accidents?

How do you explain it to people who're pro-gun but didn't grow up owning them? I've had some conversations with freedom lovers over the years where I'd describe something as perfectly normal and they'd look at me as if I just announced I like to paint myself blue and march around my yard. Not hostile responses, but *confused* responses. e.g. I learned to shoot before I could read. Of course I had guns when I was four - didn't you? Preteens shooting guns unsupervised - sure, so long as they're strong enough to carry and shoot the gun (e.g. .22LR is great for youngsters, particularly lighter youth models). Leaving guns lying around the house is perfectly normal - you just teach gun safety the same as you'd teach kids not to play with knives or run in the street. Locking up guns is crazy unless you're worried about thieves while you're out of town - would you lock up a hammer or screwdriver? Taking kids hunting and cleaning game afterwards is great - that way they learn to appreciate dinner and aren't pansies who faint at the prospect of butchering an animal. Calling the cops is a joke - where were they the last time I got mugged? Doesn't everyone experience tragic boating accidents?

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[–] [deleted] • 5 pts

As someone who did not grow up around guns, let me see if I can explain why they find it so bizarre.

Imagine a place that has fire extinguisher culture. They have a fire extinguisher in every room as well as just having some laying around the house. On the weekend they go to a 'fire range' with their kids where they build model houses, set them on fire and practice putting them out. They do this for fun.

How would you explain fire extinguisher culture for those that didn't grow up in it?

[–] • 3 pts

Ill try and explain. A fire extinguisher has no use other than extinguishing a fire. A gun, on the other hand, has uses ranging from decor, to defense, to entertainment and just being an all around good tool to have on a farm or something. If you live out in the country like me, it's just a tool that has become a part of life. For example, I carry a gun when on walks or checking the mail because there's a pretty good chance there will be a copperhead or rattle snake or something. There's is also nothing to do out here other than being outdoors. Shooting guns is an outdoor activity that is fun, simple and easily accessible for country folk. From here, a culture around guns develops, as everyone has one as a part of their daily life and entertainment.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

That's how op should be explaining it to someone who grew up in a city. There are threats from wild animals both to humans and to farm animals. Would it be accurate to say that if there are foxes or coyotes or owls going after your farm animals you really want to shoot them dead instead of scaring them off because they'll just come back otherwise? Is that an accurate statement?

[–] • 2 pts

Yes. Although I've never had trouble with owls and coyotes usually learn quick not to come back if one of them goes down. If a snake or a racoon realizes he can kill chickens or steal eggs without repercussion, he will continue to do so. Every time I've ever let an animal like a coon go he came back for more.

[–] • 1 pt

Yes

[–] • 0 pt

Owls? They eat rodents. Do you live on a rat farm?

[–] • 1 pt

decor, to defense, to entertainment

Are you saying that fire extinguishers don't make good decor and entertainment? If you were part of fire extinguisher culture you would think so. They are probably pretty good at defense too, spray to disorient, then hit with the heavy object.

[–] • 0 pt

You sound like a guy that would have this

[–] • 0 pt

To be honest, there are a lot of things your argument could be applied to. Knitting, cars, racing, tractors, anime, painting, etc.

Just because you aren't used to something doesn't make it wrong.