To normalize gun ownership? For example, and I know it's not tactically intelligent, I open carry everywhere. I've had no interaction but it's hard to miss a Glock 19 and a spare magazine in an appendix rig.
I also live in a purple state and county.
Yes! I find myself in the same position as Austin grows increasingly blue, from a more purple status it is in currently in now.
As i've stated a handful of times here I don't love the idea of open carry. I get why many are EDC'ers frown upon it. I do however, find myself open carrying on weekends if im going out and about to firearms-related functions or my LGS, big box retailer, Gun Range etc.
In doing so I will make stops along the way wherever my other errands may lead me that day. I love carrying my 1911 and it's a full size so it's pretty hard to conceal so I just opt to open carry it instead of having a giant grip sticking out the back of my shirt which I think looks more foolish lol.
Anyway, point being is I think it serves a "purpose" for lack of a better word, two-fold. I think it let's locals and born and raised Texans know that not every person moving here from out of state is anti 2A and is just the opposite, willing to embrace the culture and understands it. I think it shows a bit of acceptance. On the other aspect, I am hoping that it will show anti-2A that it's assinine to think everyone who has a gun is a bad person, and that inherently bad things happen from legal gun ownership.
Doing so often shows me who is and is not not from Texas originally, as i'll get looks or stares. But locals and natives often strike up a conversation with me and are far more receptive which is encouraging.
I'm not sure where I went with this, but it's something that i've been conflicting with for awhile now.
Thanks
@Wannabewoodsman for bringing it up.