As a member of the "modern left", I, too, found the OP's characterization to be cringe-worthy.
While I do know a few people who fit that description ("guns make me feel manly"), they're in the minority. I don't have many friends who own guns, but those who do mostly derive their enjoyment from them by going to the range for target practice (I've tried it and found it fun, too). One acquaintance owns some fairly old weapons and appreciates their construction & design as well as their possible future resale value.
I'm fairly anti-gun, and don't own any myself, but I'm just as tired of the "compensating for something" trope as I'm sure y'all are. It's tired and juvenile, and I assume the only reason it's pulled out is to make the name-caller feel better about themselves.
While I do know a few people who fit that description ("guns make me feel manly"), they're in the minority. I don't have many friends who own guns, but those who do mostly derive their enjoyment from them by going to the range for target practice (I've tried it and found it fun, too). One acquaintance owns some fairly old weapons and appreciates their construction & design as well as their possible future resale value.
I'm fairly anti-gun, and don't own any myself, but I'm just as tired of the "compensating for something" trope as I'm sure y'all are. It's tired and juvenile, and I assume the only reason it's pulled out is to make the name-caller feel better about themselves.