TV Interview--Women Using Guns For Protection

[SamaraMartinEwing]

Looking for a woman who has used her gun to protect herself. I'm a television producer at WUSA-TV 9--in the DC area--doing a story about more women getting gun training and guns to protect themselves in this day and age. If you are a woman who has used her gun for self protection, or the protection of her loved ones, and you're willing to do a television interview....PLEASE contact me. Samara Martin Ewing with WUSA TV9/phone: 202-895-5551 or contact me via email: smewing@wusa9.com. THANKS MUCH!

[gunderwood]

I hope you can find someone to do your interview. It may be harder than you think to find someone here for two reasons.


First, the people who hang around on firearms forums tend to really be into them. The same is true of motorcycle forums or computer forums, etc. The people who CC around here tend to take it very seriously. The firearm and the concealed or open carrying of it in VA is just part of the self defense solution. Remember the firearm is just the last resort, avoiding potential situations is just as important. Let me give you a quick analogy.

If you were to visit an advanced computer forum and ask who was taken by the latest virus, you'd likely have similar troubles. Those computer geeks (myself included) do use anti-virus like everyone else, but they generally don't do those things which put them at risk because they know better. They don't open random attachments, they don't follow links blindly, they know about the various scams, etc. Their very behavior makes them far less likely to need the anti-virus. The AV is very much like the firearm in this case. If you need it it's because you already got in trouble and you need a tool which is capable of stopping the threat. Being an advanced computer user (geek) or an avid CCer means taking more steps than just using AV or carrying a firearm.

I suspect the number of people on here who have needed their firearm for SD is statistically less than the average gun owner for exactly the same reasons. It's a culture thing and it's far more than just carrying a piece; habits and behaviors are changed so we're less likely to need it.


Second, they type of people who get this involved in firearms are much more likely to be men than women. It's the same for computers, cars, etc. There are probably just as many women who drive cars or operate computers as men, but those who really pursue it are statistically almost all men. There are some, but due to reason #1, they are far less likely to need the firearm.

[OleMan]

Everything Gunderwood says in his post - you can take it to the bank - he is right in all he says.

I have multiple female relatives who practice what he says about prevention - avoiding situations where one might need a firearm, but being prepared to do so in a life and death situation - all the way from keeping the doors locked at home to carrying a concealed handgun.

Many people (male and female) are reluctant to be interviewed by the news media - especially about a subject that is hotly disputed, and just asking in a public forum makes for random candidates who may not be 'typical' or represent the norm. Contacting some private entities who teach defensive firearms courses might be a good first step in finding interviews and getting professional input. Highly experienced NRA certified instructors are a very good start.

In any case, people who would consent to an interview would want very strong assurance that it will be truly objective. It is sad but true, that many in the news media are strongly 'anti-gun' and try to promote 'gun control' - and those involved in gun ownership and defensive firearms training and use, would not want their words to be used against a principle in which they strongly believe.

[Jericho01]

You will have to be very, very convincing and almost to the point of guaranteeing that your report will be honest and objective. It is a widely-received belief (and with good reason) among gunowners and 2A supporters that mainstream media has an anti-gun agenda, that it is not objective when it comes to gun issues, and it serves as mouthpieces of anti-gun/anti 2A groups. Until your colleagues are able to overcome this perception/belief and convince us gunowners that you truly are objective and no biases, I doubt if you will find a willing interviewee, whether male or female, who will sit down with you and do an interview comfortably. Leaders of grassroots gun groups might be your best bet. Grassroots organizations have little to no political agenda, they just want to exercise their 2A rights without being bothered by anyone. Good luck!

[BlueTiki]

Please consider stopping by and letting us know when your story will air.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Riana]

Please consider stopping by and letting us know when your story will air.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Definitely let us know - I'd be curious.

I carry daily, but have never had to use my firearm to defend myself or loved ones. So I don't qualify. But if you want to talk to me anyway, drop me a line.

[Riana]

Sorry for the late notice, fellas, but I put Samantha in touch with Tina Wilson-Cohen, founder of the Shooting Divas group. She spent some time with Tina, and interviewed a few of our ladies who wanted to share their stories.

It's supposed to be televised tonight, May 23, on the 11pm news. I just got a new DVD recorder, but I'll see if I can make it work for this.

[Jakeiscrazy]

I don't get that station. Will it be online?

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Riana]

I don't get that station. Will it be online?

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Yes, it is: http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/15196 ... Taking-Aim

It's not a bad piece, thought the guy from the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence made my head hurt a little (as expected).

I understand that the producer who did the interview got to do some shooting as well (though I don't think it's on camera), and really enjoyed it.

[allingeneral]

Thumbs up Judy