Creative Speculation

The message to have firearms as part of everyday life, a symbol, a display of power, or protection is only heard by those who want to believe it. People who have grown up around guns, having hunted for food, practiced on ranges, shot skeet, entered turkey shoots, and used rifles and guns as an activity with friends have left their weapons behind when they were no longer needed. It is difficult to believe that subliminal messaging could convince someone to act against their own true beliefs, and as others here state there is no need for subliminal messaging.

It is when everyone who is anyone in your inner circle of friends believe that bigger, faster, more powerful, and more numerous is good then you are a small fish in a big pond. Advertisers know this. Salespeople know this. This is what is seen and heard no matter how old or young. Be somebody. Don’t be a sissy. Show the world that you have what it takes to squeeze the trigger and prove you’re not afraid.

People who truly understand the responsibilities and risks of gun ownership may choose not to own or keep one for any variety of reasons – bad luck included. Look no further than the shooting death on a movie set by what was supposed to be a prop gun. That message should have been strong enough to convince people that firearms are dangerous, but instead the ad hominem attacks captured the news cycles.