Elitists?

Kanewpadle

Kanewpadle

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"1. A person who believes that they are superior to others (and thus deserve favored status) because of their intellect, social status, wealth, or other factors"

This term was used in a recent thread. It was a good observation I do believe.

How do I know this? Because I was one.:rolleyes: Yup, I sure was.

I thought that just because people didn't do what I did or agree with me that they were wrong. I've since leaned how closed minded I was about the gun carrying community.

I am highly opinionated, judgmental, and stubborn. I believe what I believe to a fault sometimes. I'm not perfect. I have my faults as we all do. But the key is to realize them so we can do something about it if we choose.

I took a few weeks off for some self reflection and thought. Yes it was scary:p. I looked back at many posts by members here. Posts about open carry vs concealed. And posts about the 2A. Then I did some research and found out just how wrong I was in my thinking. It also expanded to other areas of my life.

We need to remember that we have the luxury of being and thinking different. We have the right to choose and express ourselves. We have the right to disagree but we don't have to be nasty about it. We don't have to agree. But who the heck are we to tell someone that they are wrong or they should do it our way?

We all share a common goal, gun ownership and our 2A rights. Divided we lose. Together we are stronger.

As we approach our Independence Day maybe we should stop and think about just how smart our forefathers were.

Heck, I bet if we all got together and busted some caps we'd be the best of friends. Maybe have a beer afterwards. After all, isn't that what this is all about? But no elitists allowed!:D
 
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It can happen to any of us. Some pick brands. Some pick a particular caliber. Some pick other things or a combination of things. It's easy to to but recognizing you have a problem is the first step.

So what is your opinion in the Glock vs. 1911 debate? :D
 
There is nothing wrong with holding views strongly, but one should always be willing to listen and read and look around to make sure those views will hold up under hard scrutiny. If they do, great! But if they don't hold up so well, it's time to make some revisions. None of us are right all the time, and none of us are wrong all the time. I've found I can learn a lot by listening more and thinking about what I've heard than when my mouth is running wide open. Some of the most important things I've learned are what NOT to do.

I want folks to give the space to hold my own views, and if I expect that, I must give them the space to hold their own. And if we discuss our differences, I need to perhaps be critical of their views and be able to explain why rationally and respectfully, but not critical of them personally in the process. I also have to be careful about not taking things personally when someone disagrees with my view on something. A healthy discussion done with respect for those participating can be a really great opportunity to learn something.

Having an "elitist" attitude is not conducive to learning much. We can hold our views strongly while being humble enough to recognize I could be wrong and respectful enough of the views of others to hear them and really consider them. And yeah, it's certainly possible to be really good friends with someone I don't agree with about much. But it takes both of us to allow that to happen. Only person I can really do anything at all about is me, and I've found that there is always something to learn from others. Now all I've got to do is to do as well as I know how to do!!!!

Thanks for your post, Sir. There is much food for thought there, and it is presented very well! Thanks for sharing this with all of us.
 
I think that term is over used in this community (firearms).

A good example. Someone buys a firearm and then asks other's opinion. When it turns out the said firearm is a waste of money all of a sudden anyone pointing out its many flaws us suddenly an elitist.

It's interesting because it only happens with firearms. Had someone asked about a Honda Civic, Firestone tires, dell computer. ....etc...and suddenly common sense kicks in and opinions are taken as such, pros and cons are weighed and action is taken.

Just an observation
 
Arik said:
I think that term is over used in this community (firearms).

A good example. Someone buys a firearm and then asks other's opinion. When it turns out the said firearm is a waste of money all of a sudden anyone pointing out its many flaws us suddenly an elitist.

It's interesting because it only happens with firearms. Had someone asked about a Honda Civic, Firestone tires, dell computer. ....etc...and suddenly common sense kicks in and opinions are taken as such, pros and cons are weighed and action is taken.

Just an observation
Click to expand...

Must be different in your neck of the woods. Around here, there's nothing but elitists.

"Glock is the only gun you will ever need"

"I only carry calibers that start with a 4"

"Ford! Chevy! No Dodge!

"You live where?"

"You do what for a living?"

"A chihuahua! Why don't you get a man's dog!"

It goes on and on. On a daily basis. :eek:
 
If anyone wants to go elitist hunting, head on over to the reloading forum and bring up any brand other than Dillon.
The Dillon elitists will show up with guns drawn.

Try it as a social experiment and take notes.
 
My wake up call came decades ago. When I came face to face with myself, I didn't like it and I saw that those close to me didn't like it either. I still use my witt but in a kind, humble way, not to denigrate or insult.

My time on this earth is extremely short and I'm OK with that. I refuse to fill my remaining days with anger, bitterness, envy, condescension, jealousy, aloofness, pride or elitist self righteousness. I live my life in love and humility. I have no right to judge, that is someone elses job.

I gladly talk to people not down to them as my academic inferiors.
Horrible grammar, syntax and spelling no longer bother me. I know exactly what they mean and I'm not going to correct them on the fly as it makes me look small and petty.

With my two degrees, my military experience and my accomplishments in A List touring and recording and selling boutique/vintage guitars (talk about gear snobs, way worse than gun snobs) I had all the tools to be an elitist. But they mean little to me now.

There are a few here that are testy, bitter, angry and unbending. There are a few here that like to poke the bear. I try to show them wit or kindness but that having failed, I leave a "thanks" and move along.

I have noticed a little less of the negative posters so I hope the graciousness of the majority has not been lost on them.

Kanew is spot on when he said if we were to hangout and pop a few, we would no longer be faceless fake identities and could grow to be friends. It appears that's what most of us signed up for.

I have come to know a lot of you and you are fun, happy, upbeat folks with a desire to help and contribute. There are a lot of soft hearted people here.

I, like Kanew, want to make this forum a place for fun, laughter, discourse, technical info, help with all things guns and bacon.

Sorry for the tome but Kanew placed all this on my heart. He is a wise man who has taken a step into self-evaluation and he likes what he can be and I, for one, am glad and proud. And I rededicate myself to grace and civility.

You all deserve no less.
 
Kanewpadle said:
We all share a common goal, gun ownership and our 2A rights. Divided we lose. Together we are stronger.

As we approach our Independence Day maybe we should stop and think about just how smart our forefathers were.
Click to expand...

I "liked" your post.
And not to hijack but after very informal studying of the history of our government and all that it involves as established by our forefathers, I have to say that those guys were either geniuses and/or had an inordinate amount of luck on their side. I think probably a little bit of both and more so, some Divine guidance too.
Happy Independence Day to all. We have so much to be thankful for.
 
This is a great thread that I've enjoyed reading. And I was moved by the OP.

I "travel" in another hobby world that seems to be well stocked with elitists.........motorcycling. The "my brand is better than your brand" sentiment is rampant. That's why I tend to ride and associate with only a very few friends where we trust each others' riding skills and listen and value each others' opinions. This makes for a pleasant hobby.

And that's also why I enjoy this forum so much. Folks here tend to live and let live a lot better than on other sites.
 
Kanewpadle said:
I'm in my mid 50's and just when I thought I knew it all, I got a wake up call. Made me feel 18 and foolish again.:rolleyes::eek:
Click to expand...

Don't feel too bad. I'm right there with ya in age. After decades of loading Ruger .22 pistol mags and having the end of my thumb callused and numb, just last week I was overwhelmed with a stroke of genius and purchased a $5 "Thumbsaver". :D:rolleyes:

As far as the elitist thing goes... I think one of the best examples of it is when some folks believe that their wisdom is superior to the freedom of others. Much of gun control is rooted in elitism.
 
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Kanewpadle said:
...........

As we approach our Independence Day maybe we should stop and think about just how smart our forefathers were.

....
Click to expand...

You reminded me of when I was reading the following passage in Supreme Court justice Sotomayor's opinion:
"I can find nothing in the Second Amendment's text, history, or underlying rationale that could warrant characterizing it as "fundamental" insofar as it seeks to protect the keeping and bearing of arms for private self-defense purposes."

I thought I understood the reason for the second amendment but I also thought that such a learned person as Sotomayor must certainly have some level of information I did not possess, i.e. she must be "superior" to me, so her opinion prompted me to read scholarly articles on the second amendment, the Federalist Papers related to this topic, and writings of our founding fathers on this topic. After studying the information it would be an understatement to say Sotomayor is dramatically misinformed. Yes, our founding fathers were very smart.
 
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