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The other thread made me realize where I've heard a lot of the same complaints/issues/struggles about people not being real accepting. At work!
I work in a job where there are a bunch of old timers and a few newbies, but very few in the middle. The new guys start and think they are smart and special and can change the world. The old-timers appear less than welcoming because they know the reality of the work and the idealistic newbie game isn't cute anymore.
My suggestion to people new to "gun culture", especially if you don't fit in on the outset:
1: Be quiet and listen. You might learn something, even when you think you know everything.
2: Show some respect. People might talk to you if you don't show your contempt openly.
3: Continue to be quiet about non-subject related stuff and stay on task. Your opinions don't matter yet.
4: Gain respect by learning, especially the first time. You will learn if you are open to it.
5: If people are messing with you, they might actually LIKE you. If no one is messing with you, you messed up already.
6: Once you are established and have mutual respect, test your opinions one on one, or in small audiences and gain support before trying to change culture forcefully.
7: If it's not going the way you want it, find somewhere else. At least you now have more experience and knowledge. Maybe even some minions.
This gets you by at work, forums, gun stores, whatever.
I work in a job where there are a bunch of old timers and a few newbies, but very few in the middle. The new guys start and think they are smart and special and can change the world. The old-timers appear less than welcoming because they know the reality of the work and the idealistic newbie game isn't cute anymore.
My suggestion to people new to "gun culture", especially if you don't fit in on the outset:
1: Be quiet and listen. You might learn something, even when you think you know everything.
2: Show some respect. People might talk to you if you don't show your contempt openly.
3: Continue to be quiet about non-subject related stuff and stay on task. Your opinions don't matter yet.
4: Gain respect by learning, especially the first time. You will learn if you are open to it.
5: If people are messing with you, they might actually LIKE you. If no one is messing with you, you messed up already.
6: Once you are established and have mutual respect, test your opinions one on one, or in small audiences and gain support before trying to change culture forcefully.
7: If it's not going the way you want it, find somewhere else. At least you now have more experience and knowledge. Maybe even some minions.
This gets you by at work, forums, gun stores, whatever.