The media has manipulated language to instill fear in people about guns. Here’s how we can use facts and reasoning to help educate our fellow citizens about self-defense, the Second Amendment, and personal liberty.
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- the study of the meanings of words and phrases in language
- the meanings of words and phrases in a particular context
- the language used (as in advertising or political propaganda) to achieve a desired effect on an audience especially through the use of words with novel or dual meanings from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary
In this age of political correctness, Orwellian double-speak, and mainstream anti-liberty agendas, semantics can be an important element of any lesson or spirited pro-gun discussion. As a firearms instructor who teaches defensive concepts, practices, techniques, and basic safety, I like to take time to educate students (and instructor candidates) on the importance of being an effective ambassador for the Second Amendment by using specific words and avoiding others to help educate our fellow citizens. As responsible law-abiding gun owners, we must attempt to educate our friends, families, co-workers, and fellow citizens whenever the opportunity arises. Employing various techniques, words, and phrases will help us influence these audiences toward the side of liberty.
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The Dreaded “W” Word!
It has long been a policy of the NRA for instructors to avoid the “W” word. Weapon has a negative connotation. This policy often divides the room. A person in law enforcement or with a military background who has only ever referred to firearms as a weapon will often take the stance that the policy is founded in political correctness. This too was my initial opinion, but after having “gun” discussions with many non-gun folks and training civilians new to firearms, I see exactly where the NRA is coming from with this policy and believe that they are right on.
I have spent many years in the music and film industries. I can say with relative authority there are certain words, phrases, sounds, contrasts, and colors that are purposefully used to evoke a feeling or emotion within all media. Those of you in the intelligence community may recognize this concept as psy-ops. “Weapon” is one example of a trigger word (if you will pardon the not-so-clever pun) used in media to evoke a sense of discomfort. People are trained by TV, films, and other media to feel a sense of danger when they hear the word “weapon.”
After all, during the Zimmerman case, it was argued that Martin “weaponized” the concrete. Now that was some impressive wordsmithing! These trigger words cue a learned fear or even physical response. Ask any LE officer what they would do if they were on a routine traffic stop and heard someone say “gun.” Needless to say, the operator of that vehicle will have a much longer day. This is one example of semantics.
I like to refer to my carry firearm as my “particular tool of self-defense.” Although a bit wordy, it puts my firearm into a much more positive context. It is a tool I have if I ever need to defend my child or my wife or my child’s daddy (me). I carry it responsibly, keep it concealed, and folks only know about it if I decide to bring it up. As responsible law-abiding gun owners, we need to frame all that we say and do gun-wise in a positive context. I truly believe this will help educate our fellow citizens. Whereas the LE officer or military service person may use a weapon to fight the enemy or stop the criminal, or a criminal uses a weapon to harm innocent victims, civilians use our tools to defend our families.
Radicals, Martyrs, and Uneducated Sheeple
Looking at the pro-gun/anti-gun populations, we can surmise that the majority of folks in the middle don’t really care either way as long as they are not directly and negatively affected by the pro or anti sides. Ironically, a very small percentage of the population — the radical anti-gunner — would bash you with a baseball bat because you own a firearm. Another small percentage of the population would proudly go to prison so you could buy .22 ammo at Wally World — the selfless Second Amendment activist. The great majority of folks are floating around in between. Many are uneducated about guns and vulnerable to anti-gun propaganda. If we step up our professionalism and articulate our beliefs in a positive and confident way, we can surely win over the “maybe-antis” or sway the “maybe-pros.”
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Safety and Defense
Civilian personal-defense firearms instruction and training must always be in the context of safety and defense. “Joe Yucca-Puck’s Kill ’em all, let God sort ’em out” courses marketed to civilians do not help the cause of educating our citizenry. In many instances, these courses turn the “maybes” to the dark side, as well as being ethically and professionally irresponsible. We are law-abiding citizens who are prepared to use deadly force only when we have no other option – when the threat of death or grave bodily harm (or in Pennsylvania, kidnapping and/or rape) is imminent and we cannot safely retreat or escape.
When seconds count, help (police) is minutes away. This hard fact of life is why we take on this responsibility to defend the ones we love. If we can implement plans that buy the police those minutes, so much the better. Defensive mindset, situational awareness, and conflict avoidance must be stressed along with gun-fighting skills. We shoot to stop an attack and to save our life and the lives of our family members. We do everything we can to avoid deploying the gun in the first place. This narrative must be reinforced at all times, especially when talking to that guy at the grocery store who noticed the instructor patch you left on your hat.
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Statistics and Love
Facts and data are certainly on our side. You can quote all kinds of FBI Uniform Crime Report data, or whatever study you want. This is good for reinforcing a point but not necessarily good for selling one. Numbers help, but emotion seals the deal. Allow me to give you an example.
Fact: FBI Uniform Crime Report data supports that more citizens were killed last year by hammers and clubs than by rifles, including AR-platform rifles. Although this is true data, it seems ridiculous to someone who only gets the 30-second sound bites from the media. Most reasonable folks would say to themselves, “If that’s the case, why isn’t Senator Feinstein pushing for an assault hammer ban?”
Most folks don’t know or understand what the AR platform is. They only know them as assault rifles or black rifles. Color breeds emotion: black death, black arts, black Tuesday, black ops, black mamba, black market … black has a negative connotation. Why? Black is simply a color, right? However, the black rifle designation is perpetuated by the media. Just one more example of the wordplay that occurs.
Talk about what you know. Be level headed, factual, and passionate. Personalize your argument. I am armed because I love my family and I have accepted the responsibility to protect my family. Love lifts us up where we belong! All you need is love! Who can argue with love? Make the correlation like this: you love your family … you feed your family, you take care of your family, I am sure you too would do anything you could to protect your family, and God bless you for that. This is why I carry a firearm.
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Lions, Tigers, and Assault Rifles … Oh My!
The term “assault” in conjunction with the AR has always been a very useful bit of disinformation for anti-gunners. Of course the term “assault rifle” is a manufactured negative term to evoke a sense of discomfort and uneasiness … semantics. In reality, assault rifle is the English translation of the World War II German Sturmgewehr (StG44). Ironically, the rifle was said to have been named Sturmgewehr by Adolf Hitler himself for propaganda reasons.
The most recent incarnation of the assault-rifle moniker is that of “military-style assault rifle.” We hear this one all over the news today in the context of despicably evil acts. It is my opinion that this new title is evidence of the anti-military sentiment of the last eight-plus years within the media. What better way to demonize a group than to lump them into an established negative term? Ever hear the phrase “militarized police”?
I have successfully used liberal anti-law enforcement arguments against anti-gunners to help them embrace liberty. Many anti-gunners claim that we live in a “militarized police state.” If I can get someone to proclaim this, I can make the argument that perhaps the Founding Fathers wanted the Second Amendment guaranteed in the Bill of Rights because they too did not want a militarized police state. We as citizens of a community can help protect ourselves and one another. More responsible law-abiding well-regulated citizens could lessen the need for more police. Let the antis realize that the Second Amendment is their right too! Once folks get the “gun lust,” their love of liberty always follows.
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Load and Make Ready with Facts
I once engaged in a spirited debate with an anti-gunner in a crowded restaurant. I kept my cool, stuck to the facts, and personalized the argument, presenting my case in a professional manner. The other guy waved his hands, got loud, drew attention, and left the conversation just as anti-gun as when we started. I was asked by a colleague, “Why did you waste your time talking to that guy?” My response was, “Because all the people around us were listening.” I was pretty sure I was not going to sway the anti guy, although I gave it the old college try. I took advantage of the opportunity to educate the onlookers, and perhaps sway some of the potential maybe anti/maybe pro folks in the room over to the cause of liberty. Having the right information is like having the right ammunition for your gun. It is essential.
When you use facts, remember the specific words and phrases used to disseminate this information are key in how we can influence our fellow citizens toward the light of liberty. Education must not stop in the classroom or on the range.
One of the best documents I have ever read on how to use correct wording in our conversations. I have been a member of your organization for several years and try to read each document you present and watch the videos as well. Keep up the good work. I carry my defense tool as I serve as a greeter in the kids ministry at my church.
Hello Ray,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion, and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Personal Defense Network Video Membership
This is Ironic that I sent to Policeone back on 9-28-21 the almost exact same article and explained I have been pushing this very same point almost verbatim since 1980’s . As a matter of fact I submitted an article in the 80’s to SWAT magazine and a similar topic regard Magazines vs Clips and how not using proper terminology affects your professionalism as well as your credibility and knowledge and that terminology can be your enemy when not used correctly.
Good basic principle.
You are maybe extending the concept here to a degree of PR awareness.
As our 2A rights are subject to political pressures, it pays us to also play the political game…….in our favor.
However, if it goes to far, our righteous stance gets a big bogged down in euphemisms and over-apology. Lets choose some sensible, reasonable, neutral terminology and have the courage of our convictions to stick to that.
PR is certainly important, but I don’t want to be confused if I have to fight for my life.
The newest scare word is “ghost Gun”
Times are changing, and not for the better. I do agree that language is key to keeping ahead of the misinformation from the media and the Anti-2A crowd.
It’s an uphill battle, but we can’t afford to lose.
My wife and I have taken our first NRA training course in 2017 in Alabama. We want to take an advance training, but as seniors on Social Security we do not have money to pay for the course. So all we have is the Basic training we got in Semmes Alabama. We now live in Pa. and the training would cost us over $150.00 a piece. I imagine there are other Seniors with the same problem. Where can we get help. Thank You
Training ranges from free to very expensive. GENERALLY you get what you pay for. However, depending on where you are in Pennsylvania, perhaps I can guide you to a competent instructor… feel free to contact me directly.
Sometime an article should point out that outlawing firearms will create another black market and that market will certainly be filled with Chinese, Russian, and other kinds of firearms. For example, a huge amount of illegal narcotics are flooding into this Country even though drugs like heroine and cocaine are illegal. Next door, Mexico is among the countries with the most draconian restrictions on the private ownership of firearms. Those restrictions have resulted in disarming only the common citizen. Now, corrupt Mexican authorities and drug cartels are armed and those groups frequently use their arms to extort goods and services from unarmed civilians. I disagree with most of Chairman Mao’s ideas, but he did say ‘political power comes from the barrel of a gun’. I think he was correct.
good article
Have recently noticed application of the Orwellian double-speak technique. Many people I’ve talked with seem unable to say the word ‘gun’ without saying ‘gun violence’. It is important to teach (at least some of) these people that guns are not only for violence and that there are other (often worse) forms of violence.
I agree… Interestingly enough, Hollywood once got it right…. Remember the movie “Shane”? I quote Alan Ladd; “a gun is a tool Marion, no better no worse than any other tool, an ax, a shovel, or anything… a gun is a good or as bad as the Man using it, remember that.” Thanks for your comment!
I have tried to understand the second amendment for some time now. I am surprised at how many people skip over the first phrase of it (a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state), and go directly to the second ( the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed).
Now in my mind, this means that in order to keep the state secure, the citizenry should be able to form a militia to defend that state. So, it looks like the right to bear arms in this country comes with a responsibility to be willing to defend your country in a militia style organization. This makes perfect sense to me, and this is the mindset I have regarding my guns. BUT – since most people skip the militia part, there is not a well regulated militia existing. Some may say that the National Guard is that militia, but since a militia is a military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army in an emergency, that isn’t it. I just wanted to throw this out there, along with a suggestion that when someone becomes a gun owner, it would be excellent to require a class similar to the concealed carry class, that will teach safety and the responsibilities of gun ownership.
Shawn, I agree that the “Militia” portion of the 2A is overlooked and mis-understood. In order to have a “Militia” you must have an armed citizenry. This concept goes WAY back to the middle ages. So as a Militia is necessary, free people must be armed. Education is ALWAYS a benefit for a myriad of reasons, however MANDATORY training sets up an industry of the lowest common denominator and often give folks a false sense of security… literally…
Shawn your comments regarding “a well regulated militia” are grounded on 20th Century interpretations. When the amendment was written all males age 16-60 were automatically defined as ‘Militia” and thus was the reasoning for using that language. There is plenty of evidence to support my retort here you just have to take the time to learn the history and understand the language of the day, not the language of today. This is something that seems to be lost on today’s generation not to mention the fact that the left tries to twist and manipulate the argument in favor of their disingenuous reasoning and misstatement of facts not supported by either logic or reason.
I believe that THE most important thing in any discussion of self defense tools with members of the “undecided” or the “anti” groups is that our attitude be absolutely, utterly unapologetic – not belligerent or aggressive, but rather matter-of-fact. As an example, if asked if you use your seat belt in your car, I hope you would say, “Sure. I want to be protected in a crash.” If asked if people should be armed, why not simply say, “Sure. People should be able to effectively protect themselves from violent, criminal attack.” And instead of engaging in elaborate, baroque, circumlocutions to describe the particular tool used for self defense, just call it what it is, eg. a pistol, a revolver, a rifle, a carbine, a shotgun, a knife. If you refer to your particular tool as “you know, the thing,” or “my you-know-what,” and so on, you are giving off vibes like you may think it is wrong to carry “the object” for self defense. Likewise, being provocative and calling your choice of self defense tool “the man killer”, or “my little friend”, or the “toad sticker” is also unproductive. Just be and appear to be matter-of-fact, calm, honest and unapologetic when discussing the issue of self defense.
thank you for reminding us that Psy Ops is a weapon that is being used against us, for some reason I seem to keep forgetting that
An excellent article, well presented. Plenty of assistance with thoughts to use in a debate.
I think we should always say “Homeland Defense Rifle” every time they say assault rifle. We need to chang the semantics to better control the conversation and image. We also need to point out the Indiana school shooting as an example of the correct solution to school shootings.
One of the best articles I have read on the subject and a philosophy I have adopted years ago. Ladies and gentlemen – we are going to lose the war on liberty if we are not able to articulate the arguments. As Aristotle pointed out 2000 years ago – Pathos will defeat Logos every time. Logic simply is not enough when weighed against perceived safety. We have to make the argument personal, reasonable, and passionate. As lovers of liberty we need to be ever mindful of how we carry ourselves – that we embrace our status of ambassadors of our community.
Thank you Rod… Pathos will defeat Logos every time indeed!! Well said, Sir!
I’m 82 years old , my hands shake, would you advise me not to have a gun? If you suggest that having a gun would be OK for defense, what kind of gun would you recommend?
You are the only one that can answer that question. You must be confident in your ability to use a firearm as a defensive tool. You must be comfortable with accepting the responsibility that comes with using that tool to defend your self and your family. I have worked with lots of folks with mobility issues and steadiness issues. I would be happy to offer my opinion based upon my experience with other folks but some more information would help. Are you wanting to use a firearm “concealed” outside of the home or specifically as a home defense tool?
Ronald, See what Klint said. I expect that you also have some hand strength issues or will develop some as you continue to age. Suggest you spend time in a gun shop feeling various firearms as the strength and techniques needed to operate the gun varies. My understanding is that the S&W EZ (380) was designed (and is targeted) to older shooters who may have grip and strength issues – so suggest you consider it. When you have a short list – find somewhere you can test fire them, or even better an instructor who will be able to help you test fire all, decide, and then provide instruction using your selected firearm. In the end it is about what fits you, what you can operate, and what is accurate in your hands.
Note – older hands are often more sensitive to recoil. Consider heavier (larger) gun with lower power caliber which will both help with recoil and reduce shake when you point it. Conversely, heavier gun also makes swinging the gun onto target – but larger grip is easier to hold onto… Everything is a compromise!
Excellent article!! I often talk about people who are willing to accept facts ( which to many seem cold and calculating), yet there are so many more are swayed and actually make decisions based on feelings without any facts…….trying to consciously blend the two – is the best!!
Excellent article!! Well stated.
One of the most pertinent and timely articles I’ve read on PDN. Mr. Macro should be a monthly contributor.
I am humbled by your comment. I am glad that you liked it. Please share the sentiment and help educate or fellow citizens!
Well stated and thought out article. I have been appalled by some of the comments that I read in pro gun news letters, the grammar, spelling and vicious comments leave me cold. I am an owner and user of fire arms for plinking, target practicing, varmint control and hunting and I just want the government to leave me alone and stay out of my life as much as possible so I really appreciate this type of article.
P. S. I’m also an NRA life member
Klint Macro, Great writeup. As a wartime veteran, sustainable hunter, and supporter of Second and First Amendment freedoms, I seldom recall the day when I was young and easily swayed by those who seek to dismantle liberty in America. I remember my ignorance was captivated by President Bill Clinton and his “Assault Weapons” and “High Capacity Magazine” bans. Coming from a family of farmers and hunters in rural Maine, most of us were compelled to see these as practical laws. But in truth we were ignorant, and fell for an ideology that placed our ignorance and law abiding nature second to predacious criminals and madmen. It’s difficult for good law abiding citizens to understand the criminal mind let alone the fundamental principles of liberty. As an instructor, I have forgotten the “W” but I still cling to those things that may be perceived as evil by those who are uninitiated, this is a helpful reminder. Excellent explanation of these types of semantics, America needs to read more of your work. It will help those in the middle to form educated decisions, and someday accept those terms that don’t seem to be politically correct as no more than a common adage used by those who seek to dismantle liberty.
Thank you Sir, I appreciate your comment and the thought that went into it. It truly is unfortunate and disheartening that we even need to make a sales pitch for “Liberty”, however the pitch must be made more and more each day. I think that too often our fellow citizens loose sight of the fact that our freedoms are in fact OUR FREEDOMS… all of ours. Limitation by it’s very nature destroys freedom. A responsible, educated citizenry is very capable of self government, self defense, and civility. We must not get discouraged, we MUST continue to keep our cool, engage, inform, and educate.
Excellent article and discussion. I was especially drawn by the last to sentences of this reply to Core.Unfortunately our Federal government is riddled with irresponsible, poorly educated people. The reason is that so-called Progressive minds have insinuated themselves into every corner of the educational and governmental systems in our country starting back in the late 1800’s. Responsible representation is very difficult to find today. Elected representatives who have read, studied and embraced our Founding Documents with understanding and intelligence are a very rate breed and hard to find. The result is, we the people need to reeducate our leaders.
Good article. Worth my time to read.
I refer to my carry gun as my “Anti-Carjacking Device”.
Bill, it is really unfortunate we have to use euphemisms so we don’t offend the thin skinned. You recall when guns were called “heat”? That could stand for “health enhancing application tool”. And my spare mag is my herk, “health enhancing replenishment kit”. I carry for the health and benefit of me and my family.
One thing I would add to the discussion re: assault rifles. Do not use the term “Assault Rifles”. When DHS put out a solicitation for 7000 military-grade (i.e. full automatic capability) AR-15 rifles, they didn’t use the term “assault rifle”, they referred to them as “Personal Defense Weapons”. That’s the term I always use now – if its good enough for the government, its good enough for me.
I would like to see our Pro-Gun folks go a step further; and change from calling a carry permit from: CWP (concealed “weapon” permit)
To: CCP (concealed carry permit)
This is much less likely to rile the anti-gun; or the not too sure which side they are on ones… I would also like to see the media to understand and educate the public that AR-__, means, Armalice Rifle, NOT; ASSAULT rifle…thank you
Here in Texas, due to open carry being legal now, ours was changed to LTC (License to Carry). And to correct you the AR in AR15 actually means ArmaLite Rifle.
A well thought out post. I agree completely, but I must admit not using the term weapon is hard for me, as a retired cop. Speaking of semantics, I remember a term that was used jokingly in classes teaching conflict
de-escalation. The instructor used the term “tongue-fu”, an obvious take off of Kung Fu, meaning to use language to de-escalate a situation.
Excellent article. Someone has said, “Spectacular success is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.” This is an excellent example of why we need to be prepared, keep our cool in any discussion. We can’t win them all but we will win some.
This was very well written and thought out. My hat is off to you Sir! As you said, cannot sway everyone but perhaps you can make someone on the fence think about your view and maybe even understand.
Thank you Sir! I appreciate it your encouraging words. If we each do our best to put a responsible, intelligent, and professional face on firearm ownership and usage, we pull the rug from under many of the anti’s disinformation.
Hope Handgun isn’t Loaded, or it’s going to be “Splat Cat” on the Presentation Display…
The pistol was in fact freshly cleaned and unloaded at the time, although the photo does not reflect that… my cat did not seem to care either way, she knew that the gun was not going to harm her. Like myself, she too enjoyed the smell of Hoppes! I think that was why she sat down.
You need to get the book, “How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety,” by Zachary Auburn, Three Rivers Press, 2106. Really.
I will look that one up!
Concur w all, Good article and info.
Thanks, Mark Kichman, USN Ret, DOD Ctr Ret
Very good info.
I have been voicing my opinion on a firearm or gun not being a weapon now going on 4 years and it disgusts me every time I hear the word weapon used when firearm or gun should be used instead. Even the word gun is being used against us pro firearm groups as the media is cramming the word ” gun” down the throats of anyone on the fence about gun control issues The word weapon means ” a device used for attack or defense” in which almost any object can be used such as a rolled up newspaper, fist, or even a pencil, etc,etc.
Before I respond to your statement regarding perceptions and the term “weapons” and what that encompasses I want to be perfectly clear that I am 100% pro 2nd amendment and that ALL law abiding citizens can and should carry a weapon, legally, to defend themselves and for no other reason. I just feel its a very foolish argument to classify a pencil, a rolled up newspaper and a AK47 all in the same category as a “weapon” since they all could conceivably provide lethal force. if used accordingly. There is NOTHING wrong with either the word weapon, or gun. They both refer to a TOOL that can fire bullets BOTH OFFENSIVELY OR DEFENSIVELY. If a gun and a pencil were both weapons, then I would need a CCW to carry a pencil or pen in my pocket, but I don’t. They are VASTLY different and trying to hide behind words just makes you look weak and illegitimate in your argument. Stand up tall and proud. If you have the right to own and carry, then there’s nothing whatsoever to be ashamed of and call a gun, A GUN. GOOD GUYS carry guns too. The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers, John Wayne, Elliott Ness and so on. Guns are not bad, people are bad. Guns don’t kill people, PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE. Train, stay legal, STAY VIGILANT and then train some more. ANd don’t feel like I want to open a conversation, because I DON’T. If you don’t agree with me, fine. If you agree with some of what I believe fine too. I just wanted you to hear a response, not start an argument or discussion.
Both perspectives are valid. I believe the author was suggesting that the press and other anti-gun advocates have confiscated the word weapon such that its use is perceived as negative by the very people we would like to convince that guns are ok, self defense is ok, protecting loved ones and our property is ok. It is impractical to think that “we” collectively can turn the negative connotation associated with the word “weapon” around. Using the word does not help our cause, so we need to modify our narrative to have any success. Focus on the cause, not our right to use a particular word. It would take an incredible amount of energy and success to change the perception of the word. Better off using that energy on the bigger picture.
“WEAPON”. Two forms of the word , conjure up lethality . If you are military , it is a “weapon” . If a civilian, your “firearm” can be used as a “WEAPON”. One is primarily USED AS A WEAPON, and that is the sole purpose. A car is a weapon if used in a careless manner. I prefer Personal Defense Device. It is apparent you have not tried to “have a civil discussion” with those on the “left” .
The pen is mightier than the sword
Lose an argument to the sword and you do not argue again.
After the military , three tours Army SF I joined my local police department . I have done everything l can do to teach firearms safety and what to do if one is threatened. I hate the current move toward gun control.
Being in the military I do use the term “weapon” but on a civilian range I say firearm. When I hear a news report reflecting something ridicules and outright lies such as “SKS assault weapon found along with stolen property and drugs, a stock pile of ammunition was also confiscated” police told this reporter. Someone called me a gun nut once and I replied that I was a firearms enthusiast. I also believe in democracy and the freedom of being a participant as a law abiding citizen in society. Another peer asked “why do you need a black riffle (implied to be assault style) and my response to him was “why do drive that fancy muscle car that can do well over 300kh. Max speed on Canadian highways is 100kh”. Also if I go to the liquor store, buy alcohol, put it on my back seat (unopen, in a bag & out of sight to the public) should I be arrested for alcohol in vehicle with intent to drink & drive? Just because I may own a firearm does not mean I will do illegal things with it. To my American friends, watch what is happening to your cousins in the north in regards to firearms rights and take heed! Very soon even a sling shot will be prohibited.
Please check out our current legislation and news.
1)Nanaimo RCMP discover Soviet assault weapons
2)B223
3)Justin Trudeau (Prime minister of Canada) stance on gun control.
Just to name a few.