Did you ever notice how some folks attribute life, volition and animation to otherwise inanimate and otheriwise inert objects like guns?
If my firearms began “leering” at me I would see a shrink immediately, for I know better.
What really scares such soft-minded fools is this: Fear of responsibiity, fear of outcomes and fear of self.
I was discussing concealed carry with a non-firearms person, they asked if was afraid that I may unintentionally shoot an innocent bystander if a “shoot” sitiuation occurred. I answered “certainly there is risk, but mitigating risk and developing controls is how people, companies, governments function. I practice marksmanship, tactics, and self-awareness skills and am ever seeking newer and better more efficient/effective ways to approach life, let alone dangerous incidents.
No magic involved, just rational, logical and fact-based skills that are designed to reduce dependence on cognitive thought in the instance required (as there is little or no time).
Reminds me of the story of a person who was asked why they carried a gun, a knife, mace, cell phone and a flashlight as well as a pocket first aid kit as a matter of daily proactice-what are you afraid of?
He replied, “why, not much...”
If my firearms began “leering” at me I would see a shrink immediately, for I know better.
The gun is, by today's standards, a very simple machine. It's intended purpose is to expel a projectile at a lethal velocity. It is used for sport and self defense. It is used in the line of duty and recreationally.
People unfamiliar with this simple piece of machinery are influenced by external forces and manipulated as a result of their own ignorance. The gun is an unknown with a “reputation”. They don't know how it works, how it “goes off” or what the specific dangers are. Therefore it is very very bad and scary and nobody should have those vile things. Most guns have 2 to 4 moving parts.
The same soccer mom with the attitude above will load her 4 children inside another, very complicated, machine and hurl them down an interstate at 70 mph within a few feet of other, perfect strangers, doing the same. To operate that van/SUV takes a lot of knowledge and skill that mom takes for granted and does not fear.
Full attention, two hands, a foot, how to operate: accelerator, brake, steering, directionals, doors, mirrors, seatbelts, radio, AC, lights, heat, traction control, anti-lock brakes, tilt-wheel, seat adjustment, cruse control, transmission, fuel refill (hazmat), etc.
Then there is all the legal issues a driver must know for safety and the state:
Speed limits, turn on red, lane changes, follow distance, licensing, stop sign procedures, stop light procedures, pedestrian rights, Right of way laws, emergency vehicles, insurance, registration, cell phone laws, alcohol laws, DOT safety restrictions, yellow solid Vs. white dots, all the meanings of signs with no words, etc.
Soccer moms not only trust the highly advanced machine (that they know so much about) to operate consistently and safely, they trust the other thousands of operators and their complicated machines with her life and the lives of her children. Why? Cars kill more people in America than guns. Is it a numbers thing?
Knowledge. Soccer mom has knowledge and experience. She may have even been in an accident or two or broken some laws now and then. Her confidence does not wain. She understands and is comfortable with the machine while still aware of just how dangerous it is.
If you brought someone (anyone) from 1860 into our time and handed them a modern rifle while having them climb into a Suburban, what do you think they would be more afraid of? In fact, if cars were only invented recently, government's would not allow private operation unless special provisions, qualification and testing were done. It would be similiar to what pilots are required to do.
That and simple ignorance, fear of the unknown.