Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Does Standing Up to Criminals Make One a Hero?
I gave my opinion of Eddie Peoples. I'm not so sure about this guy. It does seem to me that his attempt to lock the teenage criminals in the store, which was dramatically unsuccessful since they got away and he was shot, is not enough to make him a hero. I think what makes him a hero is the obsession we have with macho tough-guy attitudes as depicted in Hollywood films. It's the vicarious thrill we get by imagining WE too might be that brave and fearless in a critical moment.
The problem with this is it's a big lie which feeds into the unrealistic fantasy of wannabe macho men. The inability to stand aside when witnessing a crime, is not necessarily the hallmark of a hero. Gunowners especially need to remember this.
What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.
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In my CCW class we were taught that if we found ourselves in the proximity of a crime in progress, that we ought to not get involved. We were told to stand back, blend in, and be a good witness. That's in CA.
ReplyDeleteHaving a CCW does not obligate one to help others. Nor am I civilly protected were I to do so.
You (and people like you) are more worried about 'crossfire' than potentially saving lives. Moreover, your side has made it abundantly clear that you do not want a CCW holder to stop someone. I will grant you that wish.
So were I at a mall and some psycho opened up killing people, i would leave if it were possible.
Far easier for me just have a smoke with the mall security officer while waiting for SWAT to arrive 30 minutes later.
Anonymous, You think you know about "You (and people like you)" meaning me. I don't think you do. I object to macho guys intervening when they shouldn't and I object to the entire world proclaiming them heroes. To say I'm more worried about 'crossfire' than potentially saving lives, is a kind of contradiction. I'm worried about the guns being used irresponsibly, but the criminal and by the "hero" ccw holder.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! Am I reading this right. Anoyymous sez that he don't gotta do nuttin' when he sees a crime in progress? Isn't that the antithesis of what a lot of braver commenters* who come here and
ReplyDeletebabble about how much safer and politer society would be if everybody was strapped?
So much for that whole, "well organized militia" canard.
8* those like me who at least use the same blognomen allatime
"I don't think you do.
ReplyDeleteTrue enough but you often stereotype gun owners. White, middle aged, obese, uneducated, Christian etc (Or Jade does). I'm none of those but if you're blog is going to reinforce stereotypes, the same will be applied in return.
"Anoyymous sez that he don't gotta do nuttin' when he sees a crime in progress?
Depending on state and or Sheriff, involvement differs. In CA the Sheriff prefers CCW holders to do nothing; just be a good witness.
Isn't that the antithesis of what a lot of braver commenters* who come here and
babble about how much safer and politer society would be if everybody was strapped?
Much of that sentiment comes from Christian gun owners who can site many commonly understood passages about fighting/stopping evil, being the watchman, etc. There's a plethora of scriptures to support that assertion, but as an atheist I am not bound by such belief.
I carry for myself and my family. Not for you or society.
BTW - Fight or flight still kicks in regardless of what one 'thinks' they may do. Its also situational as how one might react if alone, or with kids and wife.
CCW holders, much like police have no obligation to help. See "Warren v DC." In essence, you're on your own if random violence comes your way. Being prepared for such, as in carrying a gun, isn't necessarily comfortable, but it is comforting.
You don't like guns and I'm totally fine with that. Probably best that you don't own a gun. But I hope you do at least learn to use a cane, taser, or pepper spray. Might save your life.