An armed society really is a polite society

I find myself doing the same thing. Of course, I thought I was polite before, but now, I do think about it more.

Your feelings are normal - and basically to be applauded. Tho the ''threat'' factor is not I think a major aspect.

The reason behind this is - for most of us - based not only on the fact that in a carry condition we are prepared and are in posession of the ''ultimate sanction'' .. but anyone with a grain of sense also is aware that that in itself it carries a burden of considerable responsibility.

I am prepared to defend, both self and loved ones - but sure as heck have no wish to encourage or seek anything remotely confrontational.

If you did a poll - I'd wager that the vast majority of us who carry daily and have done so for some time - would agree - we actually take active steps to avoid - anything confrontational. We would certainly wish to avoid all the legal ramifications, let alone not seeking to take a life other than ''in extremis''.

If a road-rage idiot calls me names - then because I am packing I will ignore (cuss under breath maybe!) but - essentially avoid a ''situation. More so than if not carrying - even then I do not seek problems. Being old helps - thicker skin!

We all I think are sensible to follow this path - we are NOT super beings just because we carry - we are however prepared against that time (hopefully never) when we just might save our butts.

Continue polite but - not just because you are aware of the ''hidden threat'' .... do it because you do not need trouble and anyways - for most part - what goes around, comes around. I am all for a polite society!

your a sheepdog now

Anybody else experience this tendency?

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I'm polite and cool headed, but because I'm armed? Not really. My apearance has a lot to do with it though, some people (mainly ladies and children) are intimidated by the long hair and leather jacket for some reason. Being well-mannered helps to counter my apearance.

Aside form where I decided to cut my hair when I was about 19 my apearance has pretty much remained the same since I was a freshman in high school, so by the time I got my CHP I had learned that a better attitude usually makes things go smoother when dealing with strangers. Also, after having been several fights I learned to aviod (and de-escalate) a bad situation if possible.

In my case, I realized that the vast majority of my 'fellow citizens' aren't worth a 15 cent cartrige.

In a very simplistic sense I attribute it to the fact that I don't "sweat the small stuff" and am more aware of my surroundings and activities around me. My mind doesn't wander to the next appointment I have or brooding about other issues.

When I'm at the range I find that my temperment is very calm and my activities are very ordered, I think this is why everyone at the range is polite to each other. I kind of take that mentality with my when I'm carrying. Take my gun off and throw me in a crowded shopping mall and I'll be as crazy or crazier than the next guy real quick.

It's the responsibility you feel, and responsible people are generally more thoughtful of their actions and the consequences.

I know I have made major lifestyle changes since I began carrying. I am more polite, and relaxed. I have also stopped drinking in public establishments for the most part. It also helps to keep in the back of my mind now that maybe the guy I just bumped shoulders with is also armed. Ya, I've changed and it has been for the better. CCW has made me a more responsible citizen.

I only carry on occasions where "circumstances in which such person was placed at the time were such as to justify a prudent person in carrying the weapon or weapons for the defense of his or her person, property, or family."

Yes I live in one of the non free zones.

However on said occasions I am very polite to all I come in contact with.

I'll absorb any name you can call me, and smile back, if it means that I don't have to pay the legal fees associated with killing you....


That sounded not quite like how I wanted it to, but I think most people will know what I mean...

I only carry on occasions where "circumstances in which such person was placed at the time were such as to justify a prudent person in carrying the weapon or weapons for the defense of his or her person, property, or family."

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Sounds like 24/7 carry to me.

I too adopt a more polite attitude since I started carrying. That commitment to conflict avoidance also applies when I'm disarmed as well though.

Many folks are still very imature. Some have grown into big boys at 200-300#s. Even into their late years maturity can be stunted for various reasons (alcohol even?). Many of these folks have had experience as "school yard bullies", knowing their size can bring influence.

Yes, I too carry with aversion to any disagreements (good reason not to carry since disagreements often lead me to growth and maturity unhindered).

Sometimes the above big boys are "still in the school yard". That is why I often promote firearms openly to many people I encounter. The pushing, shoving, and intimidation from the above bullies changes into very polite interaction when they realize that outside the school yard some folks are armed to the teeth.

i find i get more quiet and reserved when armed in public. i just mind my own business and don't talk to strangers much. keep my head on a swivel and keep interaction to a minimum. neither polite nor rude. just quiet.

Bobby

Oddly I found I became more assertive. Not obnoxious or rude or looking for trouble. Just not willing to take guff. Some of it may be just because I am older (I was extremely shy as a kid) but I think knowing that if the situation really did escalate I am still likely to come out on top makes me less willing to settle for abuse. That does not include the chance obnoxious comment from some chowderhead on the street. There I just smile and think "if only you knew...." But also knowing that things could escalate into life-or-death makes me want to avoid that situation as much as possible.

Oddly I found I became more assertive. Not obnoxious or rude or looking for trouble. Just not willing to take guff. Some of it may be just because I am older (I was extremely shy as a kid) but I think knowing that if the situation really did escalate I am still likely to come out on top makes me less willing to settle for abuse.

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Same here. I've left behind the fear I lived with when I was a subject of the People's Republic of California with no legal right to defend myself or my property against the predators, who were far more numerous than those in Colorado.

Curiously, my driving has undergone a radical change. I haven't had a speeding ticket in two and a half years. Amazing!

I hate to be negative, but I have one word for those who make a blanket claim that "an armed society is a polite society."

Iraq.

Jim

I don't know that Iraqis can be described as a "society".
SatCong

Rabbi, I think the age thing has more to do with being "assertive". I've noticed the same in myself. I'm more likely to be upfront with people in more situations. It has to do with experience and self-knowledge. You have enough experience to sort through the BS. You know what is important and what is trivial.
Carrying concealed adds to my feeling of being prepared, but not so much to how polite I am.