sweeping generalizations or assumptions about groups to which they may belong. We’ve all heard some bad
stereotypes about gun own- ers throughout our shooting careers. Think of every bad one you hear and how false those statements can be. The same types of false as- sumptions or stereotypes exist in the world about vir- tually every group within the human race. As athletes, you
have
more social layers to your lives than most people will ever experience: team- mates, fans, family, spon- sors, country who may chal- lenge your beliefs. We don’t want to change who you are, but rather want to make sure you represent yourself and
your beliefs in a respectful manner. Also remember how many more people you can infl uence as well with your behavior. That infl uence can be used for good, or for bad – you get to decide. As Uncle Ben told Peter Parker in Spi- derman: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Recognize your values, beliefs and learned behav- iors affect
others. These
learned behaviors are a part of us and come from where we come from. Are these beliefs truly how things are? Perhaps you were raised in a home that has certain be- liefs about, let’s say, Group X. Is that truly how this group is? Are you fi nding these were false stereotypes about a group with a lot of diversity
even within itself? Recogniz- ing what these beliefs are – and how they shape how we see the world – is important. So next time you feel that
urge to post something on a social network or say the lat- est joke you heard, remem- ber that you never know who is hearing the terms you are using and how you are using them. Think of how the peo- ple in these groups would be impacted. A few points to remem-
ber:
• Have questions or want to discuss these issues? Reach out to the Media De- partment or anyone your trust.
• If you see or hear you teammates say
About Media Training
The USA Shooting Media & Public Relations Division is formalizing an advanced Media Training program titled Bullet Points – Simple Approach to Staying On-Target in USA Shooting Team Role that will be available in an online format late summer to its athletes, members and clubs. Team athletes will begin meeting individually with the Media & PR team to map out their individual media profi les, be provided a best-practices manual and receive classroom instruc- tion.
September 2014 | USA Shooting News 59
or do something that can be construed as hateful – say some- thing. Be the change.
• Don’t try to be funny or clever at the ex- pense of someone. You don’t know how it will be received.
• Use your words – say what you mean. For example, saying something is “gay” is not a synonym for “uncool” or “stupid.”
• If you can’t say any- thing nice, there’s nothing wrong with saying nothing at all.
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