I’ve decided to take up a little time and space in this column to address what has become an odd phenomenon. You see, about a year ago, I had an idea for what I thought would be a really helpful tool for women. I thought it would be nice to show some suggestions, tips, and options for concealed carry. As we all know, women dress differently and are built differently than men, and we have very specific needs and preferences. Thus, “Fashionably Armed Friday,” a fun, weekly occurrence showcasing outfits, holsters, and firearms, was a perfect way to provide some much-sought-after information.
If you’ve followed the USCCA on social media, then you have probably seen Fashionably Armed Friday. It’s grown to include some ideas for the guys and even some tips from the Delta Defense team. (Did anyone see “Flannely Armed Friday?”) It has also covered a wide variety of holsters, firearms, clothing options, and body types. And I’ve been super excited to see the numbers of women (and men) who have shared their concealed carry thoughts and recommendations.
It all sounds great, right? Who doesn’t like helpful tips from different people and backgrounds with great possibilities and options? As a fun tool for sharing ideas, it really is an awesome addition to all of the valuable resources the USCCA provides. But where it gets a bit awkward—and completely off track—is within the comments section. I understand that we all have opinions (and a right to them). But, apparently, social media comment boxes are the place where everyone suddenly becomes an expert on every gun and holster ever created. As well, this seems to be the spot where everyone instantaneously knows enough about style to launch a successful, new career in the fashion industry.
If you aren’t catching the sarcasm here, let me tell it to you straight: For some reason, people have used what was designed to be a helpful tool to make a lot of derogatory, inappropriate, rude, and boorish remarks. And that’s just not okay.
So, here’s a little reminder for us all. We are not the same. We are not all going to like the exact same things. Because of that, we are going to wear different clothes, use different guns, and carry in different ways. And what’s safe, comfortable, and effective for one person may not be safe, comfortable, and effective for another. These preferences do not make any of us clever or dumb, stable or hazardous, right or wrong. These preferences just make us US. And I, for one, thoroughly enjoy seeing the great variety of selections that are out there!
So instead of stating how ugly someone’s shirt is, how horrible a certain firearm is, how useless the pictured holster is, or how stupid appendix, thigh, ankle, IWB, OWB, or whatever kind of carry is, how about we appreciate Fashionably Armed Friday for what it is. All in all, it’s a celebration of our right to conceal carry…while still living our lives, going through our daily routines, and being true to ourselves.
(You can check out Fashionably Armed Friday every Friday on the USCCA Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/USCCA/. And you can participate by contacting social@uscca.com.)
