As hunting , trapping and fishing are what we are all trying to protect , we can never forget this simple reality : most Americans know little , if anything , about our cherished traditions . When people lack information to form a logical or reasoned opinion , they often fall back on emotion .
Social media amps up this reality by fostering emotional responses , putting cancel culture on steroids , resulting in one attack after another against hunters , anglers and trappers . These events then become part of a narrative that people use to develop their own opinions on issues . The public ’ s opinion , overall , is changed over time by each of these individual experiences .
The unfortunate truth is that anti-hunting zealots roam the internet waiting for the opportunity to strike . All of us can recall instances when people have endured vicious online attacks after posting a picture or two of a successful hunt or while at the gun range . It does not take long — often just minutes — for the online assault to begin .
Here at the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance , we have defended individuals against such attacks more than a few times , but each of us likely knows someone who has been victimized in this way . In fact , these attacks are becoming more widespread .
The answer to all this noise lies within all of us and is simple : be thoughtful .
Photos with thoughtful posts that explain the benefits of hunting for both humans and wildlife are much more effective at promoting our sport than engaging in emotional arguments with activists .
Social media is nothing more than an extended public square , where each of us interacts with others in both positive and negative ways . Each of us has the power to change individual opinion when we engage , either positively or negatively .
If each of us takes every opportunity to inform average Americans of our story in a very thoughtful way , we can have a profound impact on public opinion going forward . In other words , we hold the power to influence collective public opinion , and this is how we protect the future of hunting , fishing and trapping in America . Be thoughtful and cancel “ cancel culture .”
In simple terms , being thoughtful means thinking before acting , especially on social media or while in public . You might carefully review something you are about to post , or a comment you are ready to send , and remember that there will be non-hunters viewing or reading your materials . Ask yourself what those who do not know much about hunting , fishing and trapping will take away from your communication . The same is true any time you engage with legislators or post comments in the regulatory space .
In all cases , keep in mind the vast unknowing masses in America who do not have a strong opinion on hunting , trapping or fishing , but will ultimately make decisions about our future . Being thoughtful means acknowledging that our actions have consequences beyond the individuals we deal with directly because everything we do will affect public opinion . This is important because even though public opinion is not expressly responsible for passing laws and regulations , being
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