Griz,
the point I was making about everyday situational pics of guns and people making guns more acceptable did not refer necessarily to this picture. I think that was poorly stated by me, so let me clarify it. In the future such a picture as the one in question would be more acceptable as would guns, to the antis of today, if more pics of normal life including guns were shown in the mainstream media now.
The pic in question is undoubtedly PROVACATIVE, INTELLECTUALLY STMIULATING, CONTROVERSIAL but could be viewed as something that would not invoke nonsensical fear or the urge to barf if gun pictures seen over the years had typically been those showing normal life and guns. I would use less controversial pics to get the message across to begin with; therefore, I would not start off using this pic to make anti-gunners more friendly toward guns. Then again shock value with a good story line might just do that for some.
Anti-gunners seemingly are appalled by this picture because they are anti-gunners, not because the gun is pointed at anyone. The radical anti-gunners hate guns and the people who use them. They will make everything they can of such a picture to show the evils of the gun owner.
There is no gun really pointed at the viewer just a picture of one. It should not be intimidating to anyone who views it, although it certainly does and should evoke emotion and thought - but the thought should wind up being rational even if affected by emotion. I rather think they are most appalled at the sight of a pretty pregnant woman being held by the fiend with the gun (just how I figure they see it - I think both the wife and the hubby are nice). Funny how many of the same people who find this offensive will eagerly pay over $50 for a family of four to go to the latest shootem up Terminator movie, and suck down a coke and popcorn while watching people get blown to smithereens but, they flip out like they are in dire fear of their lives because of this fine piece of stimulating photography. That is all it is really a photograph, we cannot even be certain it is a real gun that was used in the picture. So while I understand that people were offended by this picture and, while I understand that they may be afraid of guns or something they see in this picture, I do not understand why. If they are rational adults it befuddles me.
As for your point, sure I appreciate that. I usually appreciate anyone's point of view whether or not I agree with it or they with me. That is what makes for fine discussion.
Thanks
Glenn B