Here is a recent article in the "NY Times": New Fashion Wrinkle: Stylishly Hiding the Gun
The article actually isn't bad. For folks that didn't know about the Woolrich Elite tactical line of clothes it was probably informative. They make a great line of clothes!
What I found alarming were the comments. Clearly folks do not realize that *49* States in the Union allow CCW. While some of the states are new and a great strides were made in the 90s and 2000s it is not exactly new. In fact, my home state has issued CCW licenses since the 70s.
One thing is clear -- the folks that came up with CONCEALED carry knew what they were doing. It is really out of sight out of mind! People are quite often not aware that their own state already has and has had CCW laws. I am amazed at how many people I run into in my own state that simply don't know.
A lot of the comments are clearly from folks who are untrained, unfamiliar, and quite frankly afraid of firearms.
Let's look at some of the statements. Well, worded less offensively anyway:
1. "If you carry a gun you are looking for trouble..."
I have legally carried a firearm for 20 years, pretty much every day. I have had zero incidents.
Some might ask 'Why bother carrying a gun?'
There have been a few times that I was glad that I had that I had a firearm. I would rather have it, than not need it.
2. "People who carry guns have an inferiority complex..." (usually referring to one's man-hood)
I think they are trying to say that people have firearms to make themselves feel more manly and potray themselves as "tough." A kind of peacocking, I guess. But it is concealed carry, right? So, you will never know when done correctly. Usually I think this is just said as an insult. That's fine, I don't really care. If that's the best argument (and type of argument) that they can come up with, well, good luck with their future.
Not everyone that owns a gun, sports car, 4x4, pickup, motorcycle, big tv, boat, big house, fancy computer, or drum kit, etc. has E.D.
Some times a cigar is just a cigar.
3. "People who carry guns are paranoid. I can't live like that -- fearing every shadow."
OK. So don't carry a firearm then. But, what's funny is when these folks object to others carrying firearms. Why is that? Read on...
4. "If you have a gun you are more likely to get angry and use it...It will
increase violence."
Hasn't happened yet, and besides -- look who's is being paranoid now? The assumption is that the licensed CCW holder can't control their temper. Why would you assume that? I think that a lot of these folks are projecting and it is probably a good thing that they don't carry a firearm.
If anything I find myself being much MORE conscious of actions/words to reduce the chance of being in an inflammatory situation.
That's right. You must steer clear of an altercation which could result in say a fist fight (and this is something I hear anti-gun people say: "what ever happened to just fist fighting?")
a person that is legally CCW'ing simply can NOT engage in that type of behavior or simply get 'into a fist fight.'
Think of the possible legal consequences of an armed person fighting with an unarmed person. I take this opportunity to recommend that every gun owner read "In the Gravest Extreme" by Massad Ayoob.
5. "People with guns didn't stop....(insert random violent act here)"
Neither did the police. And isn't one of the anti-gun arguments that since police carry firearms I don't need one?
6. "You are more likely to have your gun taken away..."
Some of these studies say that you more likely to have your gun taken away and used against you than if you don't have a gun.
Think about it ... if you don't own a gun you are pretty unlikely to have it taken away and used against you!
Training folks is the key. If you do ever encounter an adversary, hopefully that foe is less trained than you.
I wish people who oppose firearms would take the time to actually learn about them or try one out in a controlled setting.
It is not the law abiding citizen that should be feared. It is the criminal, and they don't bother to get a license or bother with a Woolrich shirt for concealment.
UPDATE: I just found these "reviews"/criticism by Googling the NYTimes article. I think that they objected most to the concept of gun owners trying to be "fashionable." Once again, its all about concealable-- If it wasn't for the NYT article they would still be clueless that the market even existed.
http://www.styleite.com/media/woolrich-gun-pants/#0
The features of the styleite.com page?
- Calvin Klein's Maybe Boyfriend Arrested For Cocaine Possession
- Gossip Girl Recap: It’s Not Who’s My Mom, It’s Who’s My Dad
- 6 Things To Expect During A Facial
- PHOTOS: Crystal Renn Is Back To Brunette For Vogue Mexico
And the fashionista.com featured article today?
- Awkward Poses, Visible Nips, Marabou Slippers and More Awesomeness From the 1979 Victoria’s Secret Catalogue
- Why Coco Rocha Is Pissed about Her Elle Brazil Cover
- and their "Top Story" (their own words): "Has Victoria Beckham Dropped the 'Posh' Act Once and For All?"
Sorry - those article titles crack me up! I am pretty sure that these folks and their readers are NOT Woolrich's target audience. It is interesting that the the NYT article did generate a response from them, including one that actually posted pics of the Woolrich Pants.
So, don't be looking for 'S' & 'B' to be wearing them (ha! not the ammo company). More likely to be something 'A' would wear. (Bonus points if you get both TV show references!)
