imported post
I think Cognitive Dissonance is a cause for being mistaken for a LEO.
From Wikipedia
"Cognitions which contradict each other are said to be "dissonant," while cognitions which agree with each other are said to be "consonant." Cognitions which neither agree nor disagree with each other are said to be "irrelevant."
The introduction of new cognition that is dissonant with a currently held cognition creates a state of "dissonance," the magnitude of which relates to the relative importance of the involved cognitions. Dissonance can be reduced either by eliminating dissonant cognitions, or by adding new consonant cognitions. The maximum possible dissonance is equal to the resistance to change of the less resistant cognition; therefore, once dissonance reaches a level that overcomes the resistance of one of the cognitions involved, that cognition will be changed or eliminated, and dissonance will be reduced.
This leads some people who feel dissonance to seek information that will reduce dissonance and avoid information that will increase dissonance. People who are involuntarily exposed to information that increases dissonance are likely to discount that information, either by ignoring it, misinterpreting it, or denying it."
The way it works is like this. You are open carrying. An anti gunner sees you, at this point their brain goes into overdrive. The anti thinks guns are evil andonly bad guys, rednecks and cops have them . Presented with the presence of your gun the anti tries to figure out if you are a threat. Since you are not acting dangerous they compare you to their mental image of gunowner. Since you do not fit that stereotype, you are lumped into the LEO category. As a lot of people are not aware of the legality of open carry they assume only cops and bad guys carry (as if a criminal would open carry). Bottom line, assuming you are a cop shows the inflexibility of some peoples minds to deal with normal citizens open carry of firearms.
Being mistaken for a LEO has happened to me several times, that I know of. I know because people have asked what department I was with or similar questions. I just give my favorite line "I'm just a guy." Then I proceed to destroy their misconceptions about open carry. I wish I knew how many people must think I am a cop and don't ask. I really wish I could also inform them of the truth. I think I need a hat or T-shirt that says "Armed Citizen" or "Unorganized Militia"
