I will have to agree with Boots on this one. Most people have been indoctrinated to associate a gun, with acts of evil. Most really don't know they have been indoctrinated in this line of thinking. I have found that even in "gun circles" this illogical thought process will come to the surface..."why do you need to carry your gun?" I have been asked this question from gun-friendly types. This question is rooted in the illogical.
It is the intent of the Open Carry movement not only to exercise our rights as free men and women, but to serve an additional purpose, a purpose to combat the illogical indoctrination that a firearm as an implement of evil. This purpose it to educate people that firearms and the lawful carry of those firearms by joe-average-public is not a threat.
The media and politicians have often labeled the average 'gun-toter' as being unstable, and a split-second away from killing someone. This has been one of the mainstay arguments that anti's use, especially in regards to changes in right-to-carry laws. Right now, the State of Arizona now allows lawful carry of a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol. The anti's response to the public...we are now going to get drunk, start a fight, then kill everyone insight....blood will flow down main street. How many times have we heard this logic. Yet it never happens.
From my own experiences, and similar to many on this forum, I personally don't ask a store or store owner about how they feel about Open Carry. I just go about my normal (if you can call my life normal) everyday business. If a person comments, or asks me about my firearm, then that is when I start "the talk". If said person asks me to leave, then I will abide by their choice and leave.
This accomplishes several things that are advantageous to Open Carry. You are exercising your right. It shows people that you interact with, and those who you just pass by on the street, that a man carrying a gun is not a threat. People are by nature curious. Most people can unconsciously discern what is a threat, and what is not a threat. Now, let's say someone carrying a gun in the open is agitated, making quick rapid movements, he would be perceived as a threat and people would avoid this individual. Lets take man carrying a firearm and is eating dinner in a restaurant with his family...most people will unconsciously determine that he is not a threat. (irregardless of their view on guns) It is this situation that peaks curiosity and compels some to approach and ask questions or comment on the firearm. Would these individuals approach this man eating with his family if they felt he was a threat?
So, what does all this mean...rather then ask people how they 'feel' about OC, just OC, and let those who you interact make the first "comment". This allows people, at least for the short time you are interacting with them, that a guy/gal with a gun going about the daily routine of life is not a threat. This is the de-mystification of the firearm. At one time in this country, firearms and carrying firearms was as common as the cellphone is today. But, we have a lot of work to do to get the public to understand that carrying a firearm is not evil. The example speaks louder then the question.
As many one this forum will tell you, and from my own experience, If you are going about your business, no one really notices or acts as though you are carrying a firearm. I have been to places where I think my Glock has a cloaking device...LOL
I may have missed your post in the new members thread...I am sorry...traveling too much right now. Welcome to DELOC, if you have any questions there are very knowledgeable folks on this site.
Chip
"All you need is an ice pick".