Betty

I like to dabble around in poetry every once in a while, and here's something that gets some of my thoughts across to women who choose to do nothing to take their own safety into their hands.

I'm also tired of anti-gunners who say, "that's why you have a man to protect you." That's an incredibly sexist thing to say, and makes me think of these countries where women are not permitted to go outdoors without being accompanied by her husband or male relative (and she's severely beaten when she does).

And this doesn't mean a woman has to carry a gun as her only means of protection, or the gun is the "prevent-all, cure-all."

The gun is still perceived as "the man's thing" (kinda like a BBQ grill ) and handling one is sometimes seen as "unfeminine." Those are silly beliefs - guns aren't "just for men" and not only can they be fun to shoot, it is the great equalizer that gives a small woman a heckuva chance against a big assailant, and gives one a great sense of responsibility.

With a great sense of responsibility comes self-respect and self-reliance. You have more of an ability to stand up for yourself, and stand up on your own. I think that those men who believe women shouldn't shoot are those who don't want to suffer inadequacy issues if a woman is able to defend herself. They enjoy the power and find self-reliant females intimidating.

(I once scared a guy off before because not only was I overall independent, I took responsibility for my own safety. He said it was intimidating and added, "I'm unable to do anything for you." Poor guy, he really did mean well. )

Anyhow, here it is. Any helpful suggestions for better wording is welcome.

Attached Images

selfworth.jpg (139.1 KB, 59 views)

__________________
"Americans have the will to resist because you have weapons. If you don't have a gun, freedom of speech has no power." - Yoshimi Ishikawa

Broodings, Blunders and Broadsides: The Betty Blog (Friends only - Email me through there to let me know who you are first!)

P95Carry

Betty - I don't think I would change a bit of it - sure, for sake of editing I could be pedantic () but - really feel it stands up just fine and kudos to you.

Great pic and I like the message.

I am a huge fan of women shooting and carrying - and if you have read a recent thread or two of mine will see just how actively I encourage it - having spent time getting my wife more up to speed, as well as getting a wife of friends right in at the beginning with her new handgun.

I am angered by (macho?) guys who have this crap approach, almost like - ''she belongs in the kitchen or bedroom'' sorta BS. If anything I would say that women should carry even more than the guys - as usually they are less in weight and less able with potential hands on fighting technique - tho not always!

It really is great to have a lady of your grace and talent on the board - oh for more ladies of your caliber.

__________________
Chris - P95
NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member.

"To own a gun and assume that you are armed
is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!."

If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug

rocky

Nothing wrong with an independent woman,especially 1 with a gun. Part of the reason I asked my girlfriend out, was the independent spirit she seemed to have. She hunts and shoots as well as any man. She sure gets mad at men who think she knows nothing about hunting and shooting though. ( she worked in a sporting goods store. )

QKShooter

Great Visual impact & great contrast - Your work is really very good.
I am not being patronizing when I say that.
Neat!

Hey Chris be "pedantic" on your own time.

Team American

I like the photo (great choice of firearm ) and the message...self reliance is for everyone, regardless of gender, and using the equalizing tools available is a shared right for all.
His loss...having a partner that can watch my six (and vice-versa ) would be a good thing.

__________________
"I surrounded 'em"- Alvin York

"They're ain't many troubles that a man can't fix with seven hundred dollars and a thirty ought six"- Jeff Cooper

Team American

Oh, yeah...I forgot:

' '

__________________
"I surrounded 'em"- Alvin York

"They're ain't many troubles that a man can't fix with seven hundred dollars and a thirty ought six"- Jeff Cooper

macfada

Betty,
Your poem is good as it stands,
but here is a possible alternate wording:

"Our worth is ours
to weigh and decide.

"Let self-reliance
be our guide."

*shrugs*
i think it makes for
a [slightly] stronger ending.

(I ran 3 martial arts classes,
and taught women's self defense
to some women in my church,
so I do like your general sentiments
as I am very "pro" self-reliant women)

Thank you,
dave

__________________
"When a strong man, fully armed,
guards his own palace,
his goods are in peace."
--- Jesus (Luke 11:21)

armoredman

Very nice.

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If total government control equals safety, why are prisons so dangerous?

Betty

Thanks for the suggestion! My reason for wording it the other way was an attempt to make people think that if they're not choosing self-reliance, they're choosing to rely on others - in effect, being a deliberate burden on others. My wording was trying to discreetly backhand those people.

People should consider themselves priceless, and I think that anyone who refuses to take even small precautions to maintain their own safety are turning themselves into hand-me-downs, passing the responsibility of themselves onto others. And as a cop once told me, "We're not babysitters."

__________________
"Americans have the will to resist because you have weapons. If you don't have a gun, freedom of speech has no power." - Yoshimi Ishikawa

Broodings, Blunders and Broadsides: The Betty Blog (Friends only - Email me through there to let me know who you are first!)

macfada

OK; now I see where you are coming from.
Yes, in that case it stands fine "as is."

Yes, your cop friend is correct;
babysitting is not their job;
people need to take personal responsibility
for their own safety.

I see many people today walking around
in Condition White (i.e. totally unaware).
Having a firearm on your person,
or having a black belt in some martial art,
neither one of these will do a bit of good
to the person who refuses
to stay aware of their surroundings at all times.

One of my best friends was nearly mugged
in a parking lot.
His vigilence in shoving her into their car
prevented any harm being done.
But she was angry with him
because she was so out-of-touch
with her environment
that she failed to notice the threat.
This "nice woman" feels that if
we are just "nice" to everyone else
than "the universe" will take care of us.

Thank God, my friend married another women
and this one is a fireman (firewoman)
who can take care of herself
and has her own handgun.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now
(sorry for the long posting,
but I'm a newbie. *lol* )

take care & be well,
and congratulations
(newly married, right?)
(marriage is very good
says the husband of many years. )

__________________
"When a strong man, fully armed,
guards his own palace,
his goods are in peace."
--- Jesus (Luke 11:21)