Just as we got settled, our elementary-schooler pointed in the direction of oncoming floats, raising an eyebrow at man in dark sunglasses whose black AR-15 was slung round his back. The man paused as his colleague pull his concealed handgun from his ankle holster. “What are they doing?” my curious kid asked as our toddler cheered them on.The pair was the first of a few dozen gun owners who swaggered down the street, laughing together as they openly-carried their firearms, some leading companions with a banner saying "When Guns Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Have Guns." At the time, my children were too young to understand the nuance of the situation, but I told them the truth: That these folks were members of our community celebrating who they are and what they like to do.
Children who witness gun culture are reassured that alternative approaches to self-determination and individualism are valid—no matter who they become as they mature, helping them recognize that their personal choice of a .22 isn't bad or wrong, and that they aren’t alone in their experiences.
… Including open-carry in Gun Owner Events opens space for families to have necessary and powerful conversations with young people about health, safety, consent, and — most uniquely — self-defense. Gun visibility is a reminder that any person can and should shamelessly explore what brings safety and comfort. We don’t talk to our children enough about pursuing gun ownership to fulfill self-determination needs that arise and well-up in us in the moment. Sharing the language of gun culture with young people provides them with valuable information about the safe handling of firearms —such as the importance of treating every firearm as if it's loaded, seeing your target and what's beyond it, affirming the importance of planning and range-time and the need to research and guard the original intent of the 2nd Amendment. I never want my children to worry that exploring any aspect of gun ownership or concealed carry is too taboo.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XlzCPxxp8Ys
I understand the point you wanted to make, and you are to be commended, DoodleBob, for your effort, but to equate the exercise of 2A rights with "lifestyle choices" or "orientation" is a little off the mark.
Regards,