From: officialflagrant
The interviewee, who hails from Texas, frequently discusses his perspectives on gun ownership and personal safety, highlighting a stark contrast with other regions like New York and California [00:02:07]. His views are deeply rooted in his upbringing and experiences in Texas, where gun culture is prevalent [00:03:00].
Personal Gun Ownership and Philosophy
The speaker states he always carries an onion and a firearm [00:00:00]. He describes driving in Texas with two ARs (assault rifles) in the car – one in the passenger seat and one in the back seat – along with a pistol on his left [00:02:15]. He feels incomplete without a gun, even stating he would leave his wallet before his firearm [00:02:27]. His personal checklist includes wallet, cell phone, and gun [00:03:37]. He even goes to church with his gun [00:02:57].
Sense of Security
The speaker emphasizes that his safety becomes dependent on carrying a gun [00:04:34]. He recalls feeling like a “superhero” after shooting a gun at a range because his baseline is usually without a gun, and having one made him feel “incredible” [00:04:47].
Justification for Carrying
His rationale for constant armament stems from perceived threats and the need for self-preservation. He references an incident in “Chi-Raq” (Chicago) where a man died, and the opposition stole his casket and body from the funeral, reinforcing his belief that “ain’t out here friendly” [00:03:02].
He recounts an instance at a “land party” (parties held on large rural properties) where he pulled out a large AR-15 with a drum magazine to de-escalate a situation with drug-addled individuals [00:07:41]. He explains that he prefers not to fight and would rather use the gun as a deterrent [00:08:11]. He describes the intimidating appearance of his AR-15, which he says “came from the aliens” and has “titties on that muff” and “bullet drums” [00:08:34].
Regional Differences in Safety Perception
While in Texas, the speaker feels safe due to his ability to carry firearms [00:02:07]. However, upon arriving in New York, he notes the difference, humorously implying he “snuck in all the guns” [00:03:31]. He specifically mentions feeling less safe and stressed in California, believing that “everybody’s out to get me” there [00:03:42].
Controversial Views on Deterrence
The speaker shares a conversation with someone in California who believed that more widespread gun ownership would be beneficial because “some bodies might die, but it’s okay because examples have to be made” [00:09:50]. This philosophy suggests that violence can serve as a deterrent, preventing future conflicts, akin to dynamics observed in prisons [00:10:15].
Other Aspects of Texas Life and Violence
- Hog Hunting: He describes hog hunting in Texas, where wild hogs are considered a nuisance that destroys land and crops [00:21:55]. The government allows killing them “however you want” [00:22:28]. The speaker engages in this activity using firearms, sometimes leaving the killed hogs for other animals [00:22:35].
- Family Background: His mother and her partner dealt drugs, and his mother was an “enforcer,” demonstrating a need for toughness in their environment in Palacios and Bay City, Texas [02:43:03]. Women in these areas faced significant dangers, including being “picked up off the tracks, beat the fuck up and raped under the bleachers” [02:44:33]. This background further underscores the perceived necessity of self-defense and toughness in certain Texas communities.