I have a big problem with anti-gun groups adopting and utilizing the descriptor “gun-safety advocates.” It seems that their marketing and PR people are trying to spin their efforts in a new light. They don’t want to be seen as “anti-gun” or against the Second Amendment. They don’t want to be heard pushing for “gun control.” So they are now attempting to rebrand, if you will. They’re trying to change the wording to create more positive connotations and good vibes about their intentions. I mean: Who doesn’t like gun safety? Anyone? Is there anyone out there trying to get people to be unsafe with guns? Of course not! But they do not have the right to this term.
Making a Difference in the Firearms Community
If you are a responsible gun owner, the anti-gun crowd using this phrase should make you upset too. Why? That’s OUR term. It’s OUR job. We are the gun-safety advocates. Responsible gun owners, concealed carry permit holders, USCCA Members, range safety officers and certified instructors are the ones making a difference in the firearms community. We are the ones educating others about the safety rules and shooting fundamentals. We help people shoot for the first time and even purchase firearms for the first time. We are the ones helping our loved ones, our friends and our communities.
Think about it … where is Moms Demand Action? Where is Bloomberg’s Everytown? I don’t see these groups going into schools and helping kids understand how to respect guns. I don’t see them giving away safety locks to anyone who wants one. I don’t see these people hosting or sponsoring classes for others to get the potentially lifesaving information they need.
I don’t see them helping anyone with gun safety. Instead, they are supporting laws that don’t work and making it easier for criminals to target people in gun-free zones. They are making it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to have guns for sport, hunting and self-protection. And they are doing all of this under the guise of gun-safety advocacy.
Be aware. The term “gun-safety advocate” is out there. And it’s being grossly misused and shamefully misrepresented. Ultimately, we should be the ones claiming ownership of it because we are the ones who are genuinely advocating for gun safety.
About Beth Alcazar
Author of Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals, Associate Editor of Concealed Carry Magazine and creator of the Pacifiers & Peacemakers column, Beth Alcazar has enjoyed nearly two decades of teaching and working in the firearms industry. She holds degrees in language arts, education and communication management and uses her experience and enthusiasm to share safe and responsible firearms ownership and usage with others. Beth is certified through the NRA as a Training Counselor, Chief Range Safety Officer and Certified Instructor for multiple disciplines. She is also a Certified Instructor through SIG Sauer Academy, ALICE Institute, DRAW School, TWAW and I.C.E. Training and is a USCCA Certified Instructor and Senior Training Counselor.
