Situational Awareness vs. Omnipotence

[Tropical Buzz]

I think we actually STOP paying attention when we carry
I have actually noticed in myself the exact opposite. I have carried for as long as I can remember, and I honestly just don't think about it. I pocket my CCW with as much thought as my keys or wallet. This actually concerns me some. I recently had to be in several work situations that did not allow carry, and I was much more situationally aware without my gun. It actually got me thinking that I have become too confident, that maybe I am not paying proper attention when I carry. I was very aware of every potential threat when I did NOT have my gun. Probably a lesson in that---

Interesting point Elroy, but maybe not so different from what we are talking about. Is it possible that you are so confident while carrying that you may be, in some situations, more likely to run into trouble than when you are unarmed and more careful and aware?

 

[AKElroy]

Interesting point Elroy, but maybe not so different from what we are talking about. Is it possible that you are so confident while carrying that you may be, in some situations, more likely to run into trouble than when you are unarmed and more careful and aware?

Poor choice of words; complacent is probably a better choice than confident. I don't feel anything when I carry; but I will acknowledge an uncomfortable awareness when I don't. If this is your point, then I acknowledge it.

 

[lions]

Here's the basic question:
Is the risk of feeling overly empowered while armed in public widespread enough and enough of an issue to warrant awareness and a conscious effort to correct?

I don't believe that this is a widespread issue. I haven't heard of a single example and with the current anti-gun stance thriving in the media if there was a problem it would be thrown into our faces by every anti out there.

There are, without a doubt, people like this out there and to them it should be more than enough of an issue to warrant correction. However, the problem is that the people who feel overly empowered are most likely not the ones who would take an objective look at their behavior and attitude and then decide a change is necessary.

 

[Titan6]

I suppose it is possible. The last two people I know who picked up a CCL and started carrying were a 87 year old great grand mother and a 36 year old mother of three. Now it may be possible that the GGMaw is staring the bingo call lady down on Thursday nights and that the mom is in condition red at Food Lion searching and scanning for bad guys but I am not so sure. I can run a sanity check by them though....

 

[sm]

I am just a Black Lab with a 'puter and 'Net access.

When I carry concealed I get to walk on hind legs, wear jeans, oxford shirt , tennis shoes and go into diners with signs that say "no shoes, no shirt, no service".

I get tired of pushing that button at Sonic and eating in the vehicle. I want to eat inside sometimes.

*woof*

 

[Tropical Buzz]

I am just a Black Lab with a 'puter and 'Net access.

When I carry concealed I get to walk on hind legs, wear jeans, oxford shirt , tennis shoes and go into diners with signs that say "no shoes, no shirt, no service".

I get tired of pushing that button at Sonic and eating in the vehicle. I want to eat inside sometimes.

*woof*

Now that's some serious empowerment right there!

Good stuff guys. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Mike J]

I really enjoy your posts sm.