Optics matter

[Irving]

I know some are annoyed at the increasing popularity of the idea of "optics," but I think it matters. Here is an example I found. Read this article without watching the video of looking at any of the photos, then come back here.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-u...-idUSKCN1MI12G

[Irving]

Now that you've read the article, what is your impression of the portrayed gun groups? Are they scrappy underdogs upsetting the big dogs in local politics? Legal Eagles frustrated with the bloated inner workings of the colossus that is the NRA? Perhaps. Now go watch the video and scroll through the photo slide show.




Are we taking about the same champions of gun rights from the article, or is this suddenly a feature about another roving band of Antifa jerk-offs? Those pictures out of context could go either way. In context those pictures show me people who care way more about arguing about political points than they do the subject they are arguing about.

In the end, I'd rather have a group of people arguing for my rights than none at all, but maybe put a tad more effort into the optics part of the organization.

[Irving]

Seems like the title should be Optics Matter, instead matters.

[Bailey Guns]

Optics probably do matter. A lot. But unless you control the optics for your group the media, that undoubtedly has a leftist-driven agenda, will control the optics. And the media optics will almost always be what is seen...at least anywhere other than locally. You can bet the vast majority of media outlets won't show anything pro-gun in a positive light.

[68Charger]

I just don't like the cultural appropriation of the word "optics"

I clicked on the thread hoping to read about scopes..

Instead I get a poorly-written left-leaning hit piece that used a picture of people from "Open carry Texas" (and they're a bad example of typical gun owners, IMHO) in an article about Missouri?
Yeah, they went on to mention them- but I think that was forced in there, because the picture they had and wanted to use for maximum scary impact was of OCT.

[CS1983]

Of course optics matter. Which is why, when the media portray any side/person they don't agree with, they go out of their way to paint an unflattering picture by taking things out of context, well-crafted poisoning of the well, etc.

If the article were about the importance of drinking water more than soda, and the media outlet which runs the story and interview is biased for soda, the writing might go something like:

"Weathered and with a slight limp, 86 year old pro-water activist Elsie Wardeth seems an unlikely proponent for such a movement as healthy hydration habits. With a cracking voice she asks if we want water as she opens the fridge to offer us a drink. Amidst the gallons of drinking water, we spy the sweet tea, a few cans of generic cola, and an opened bottle of wine. Water it is."

The article will go on to note Elsie's proffered advice on how water is good for the skin, helps the joints, keeps the vocal cords lubricated, and how other things are not as good for a person. Of course, Elsie never claims one should never, ever, ever drink anything else. A glass of sweet tea, coke, or wine is fine. Her argument is simply that we don't drink enough pure H2o. She's weathered, and talking about skin. Limping, and talking about joints. Cracked voice, and talks about vocal cords. Pro-water, but a hypocrite with other things in her fridge.

What's the goal? cast doubt, engage in subtle ad hominems, and ultimately make the pro-water crowd look like unhinged lunatic hypocrites.

Same thing.

[Irving]

I have no doubt that the editors used pictures that made those guys look bad as possible, and are probably still laughing about how little work they had to do to get those shots. "We're gonna be in a article? Whip off your shirt Buck, let's give 'em a show!"

[Irving]

I hate Elsie already.

[CS1983]

She'd offer you a glass of water after you examine her slick, tin roof in August.

[CobaltSkink]

I read the Reuters article, looked at the pics, and skimmed the video [no audio].
The article talked about Missouri, Texas, and Idaho, but all the pics/video were only from Texas.