SA : But isn ’ t it true that most people have already made up their minds to support or oppose us ?
TA : Yes , there are groups of Americans with very firmly held beliefs on many topics , but that does not mean we are completely immune to new information . Individual attitudes work like this : we each have a cabinet full of information that builds over time with files on just about everything under the sun . When we are exposed to new things , that new information , whether words , phrases , images , memes , arguments , whatever it is , gets placed in our cabinet within the file we ’ ve built on that issue or topic . It is as if we keep adding to the file over our lifetime .
Well , coming full circle then , this is why we each have so many opportunities to “ add our two cents ” to everyone ’ s file about hunting , fishing , and trapping . Does that mean we immediately convert someone to our side ? Of course not , but we have done our part , even in a small way , to educate that person with new information that will be used as they continually update their file — or attitude — about us and what we do .
SA : What about the power of words and knowledge , you talk about that in your feature , but can you expand that a bit . Do words really matter that much ?
TA : The power of messaging and words on public opinion is undeniable . We must acknowledge this and understand how impactful our actions and language can be , and , more importantly , how they help or hinder our efforts to protect hunting , fishing and trapping .
I will give you one recent example from current debate here in America . I am not sure when we made this transition , but
Vice President of Government Affairs Todd Adkins is an avid waterfowler who encourages hunters to be thoughtful on social media .
ADOBE STOCK ( ABOVE ); COURTESY OF TODD ADKINS ( RIGHT )
SA : So how does this fit in with your suggestion that members of our community be thoughtful when on social media or in public presenting the case for our outdoor heritage ?
TA : Two things guide my thinking here . One , today ’ s public square is vast and there are microphones and cameras everywhere . Two , our long-term success depends on whether a majority of the public continues to support the American hunter , trapper and angler . For me , being thoughtful means always having the awareness of these two basic things . If I remember that everything I say or do in the public ’ s eye will influence public opinion long-term , then I will take every opportunity to educate folks and not engage in a toxic argument with an anti who I am never going to convince anyway . We have some fantastic stories to tell and should spend our time and energy as ambassadors with a positive message . Long-term public opinion is our goal .
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