There’s a growing debate between young, pro-Second Amendment activists regarding the best way to advance gun rights for students on campus. Is it wise to assert one’s rights at all costs or is a more measured approach needed?
Last month, Kent State graduate Kaitlin Bennett’s graduation photos of her posing with firearms on campus went viral on social media.
Now that I graduated from @KentState, I can finally arm myself on campus. I should have been able to do so as a student- especially since 4 unarmed students were shot and killed by the government on this campus. #CampusCarryNow pic.twitter.com/a91fQH44cq
— Kaitlin Bennett (@KaitMarieox) May 13, 2018
Then, Bennett appeared on NRA TV to challenge Parkland shooting survivor and gun control activist David Hogg to an arm wrestling match, making many question how serious she is about the issue.
Other gun rights advocates are not pleased with her antics, including Parkland shooting survivor Kyle Kashuv and Antonia Okafor, founder of the campus carry organization EmPOWERed.
Yeah, no. This is stupid. https://t.co/3bay2Rcc97
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 7, 2018
Before this gets out of hand, I think it’s important to reiterate that #CampusCarry is the student movement to bring CONCEALED carry handguns on college campuses. To allow those w/ permits the ability to also carry in school buildings like they do everywhere else. That’s it…
— Antonia Okafor (@antonia_okafor) June 7, 2018
As Red Alert Politics contributor Neil Dwyer correctly pointed out recently, such antics “do nothing but damage the brand of the responsible gun owner.”
Now, young people who hope for true campus carry rights are pushing back and calling for smarter activism.
Lmao @ her acting like she’s advocating for campus carry with this crap. No one in their right mind would carry this gun on a college campus. https://t.co/JqJfgKqASL
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) June 7, 2018
Some are even ridiculing the trend.
It’s only a matter of time before some conservative girl drives a tank onto her campus and takes a picture from the turret, posting w the caption:
“Just expressing my rights. Idk why people are so triggered <3”
— Cabot Phillips (@cabot_phillips) June 8, 2018
~ Just expressing my rights I don’t know why everyone is SO triggered. ~ #Classof2018 CC: @cabot_phillips pic.twitter.com/kGlJxur2jp
— Calli Norton (@CalliNorton) June 8, 2018
Openly carrying large weapons on campus is much like Colin Kaepernick kneeling on the football field: the activist may have a specific cause, but the message gets lost in a discussion about the style of activism. There are much better ways to advocate for the Second Amendment than viral, in-your-face photos or challenges to arm wrestling matches.
Now, practically speaking, those who brazenly display their firearms fail to realize that concealed carry is, in many ways, much smarter and more responsible gun ownership than open carry. Yes, openly displaying a firearm may make someone think twice about partaking in violent action, but a culture of concealed carry makes that same person question if any and everyone may have a firearm to protect themselves.
Openly displaying one’s firearm can also make you the first target of someone who is set on violent action. This is because openly displaying a firearm announces you as a possible threat or the “good guy with a gun.” Anyone intent on shooting innocent people would take out the most obvious threat to that plan: the other person with a weapon.
Concealed carry is inconspicuous and allows you to pull your firearm only when necessary. It does not put a target on your back. Perception is everything and simply put, anyone who thinks that openly carrying an AR-15 style rifle on campus will make them safer has not thought through an active shooter situation.
As the discussion heats up, it’s important to remember that not all activism is smart activism, and that true defenders of the Second Amendment take their right to keep and bear arms seriously. Safety and security is not a stunt, but a true safeguard in defending life.
