• Scrubbles@poptalk.scrubbles.tech
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    6 months ago

    Open carriers show off two major things, and neither one of them are “tough guy”.

    First is fragile masculinity, they are worried that they aren’t seen as “manly” enough, so they have to show off to everyone that they are totally manly. It’s like women wearing that new handbag out and about, they want others to notice it.

    Second is pure fear, fear that at any time any moment something is going to happen, and the only way they feel safe is by carrying a lethal weapon with them at all times. You know, rather than dealing with what is causing the fear in the first place.

    So, we have a terrified person carrying a lethal weapon who is worried about what everyone around them think. To me, that’s the more worrying person in a room.

    • JayleneSlide@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      Fear indeed. I went to college in a very… provincial small city. Riding my bicycle around, I was regularly harassed by insecure assholes in pickup trucks, and run off the road twice. The one time I managed to get a license plate, the police claimed that without witnesses, they couldn’t do anything. ACAB.

      I added my 1911 to the strap of my messenger bag, at the top of my left shoulder, where the stainless frame would be plainly visible. I was suddenly given plenty of space on the road and even got occasional compliments when waiting at stoplights. It’s disgusting that I would be a target for bullying without my pistol, but suddenly I was an okay guy with my penis extension where douchebag drivers could see it.

      So yeah, I’m living proof that non-military open carry is only for scaredy cats.

      • RecluseRamble@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        6 months ago

        The one time I managed to get a license plate, the police claimed that without witnesses, they couldn’t do anything. ACAB.

        It sucks but unless he hurt you, hit your bike, or you have any sort of footage what is the police suppose to do? Show up, he denies everything and that’s it.

        If they could charge him on your claims alone, think about the scary consequences of such a “legal” system.

        • CileTheSane@lemmy.ca
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          6 months ago

          what is the police suppose to do?

          Start a paper trail. If multiple unconnected bikers report them or they are involved in an accident later it is prior evidence of reckless driving.

          Even if he denies it when police show up to ask questions it might scare him enough to stop doing it.