Don't Mind Larry: The Internet Reacts to Open-Carry in Coffee Shops

A recent image posted on Imgur has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. The photo, titled "Larry!!," captures a man standing in line at a coffee shop, casually carrying a large firearm strapped across his back. The intriguing snapshot has drawn numerous comments, shedding light on the controversial practice of open-carry in public spaces.

The man in the image, dubbed "Larry" by Twitter user Liam Nissan™ (@theliamnissan), sports a black baseball cap, an orange t-shirt, dark shorts, and sneakers. He appears nonchalant as he waits for his order, but his choice of accessory has not gone unnoticed. The presence of the firearm has elicited a wide range of opinions, from amusement to outright disdain.

One user remarked, "So protected. Invincible from just being pulled down from behind or choked out with his own sling if someone wanted to." Another added, "If you're not carrying it at the ready (you know, like a psycho), it's a prop to your fragile masculinity." The sentiment of confusion and disapproval continued, with comments like "What a weirdo" and "Ammosexual Larry."

The reactions extended beyond the borders of America, highlighting the cultural differences in perceptions of firearms. A non-American commenter noted, "As a non-American (assuming this is someone in America with an open carry permit), this is just really very strange." Another compared the scene to foreign norms, stating, "Apparently very common in Israel too," linking to a gallery of images depicting similar situations in Israel.

The debate over the appropriateness of such displays of weaponry in everyday settings was further fueled by comments questioning the practicality and safety of Larry's choice. One user pointed out, "That scope is gonna be real useful if a bad guy with a gun shows up inside a small store," while another cynically observed, "All that dude is saying is 'shoot me first.'"

The legality of open-carry also came under scrutiny. A user from Minnesota stated, "Fun fact, in my state of Minnesota this is illegal!" This was followed by a practical concern from another commenter who said, "If I’m a shooter, or someone who is looking to commit a crime with no aversion to violence if necessary, and I walk into that coffee shop, guess who I’m shooting first? Before he even knows I’m through the door. Glad you feel safe, Rex."

Beyond the legal and safety concerns, some comments addressed the social implications of carrying firearms in public places. One user shared a personal anecdote, "One time I went into a subway and I saw literal 12 year olds working the line. I shook my head and said 'No, I'm not normalizing this' and I walked out. Gotta do the same with these gun toters. Leave the business and make the example that behavior will cost the owner money."

The image of Larry has undeniably stirred a conversation about the role of firearms in society, the cultural differences in their perception, and the implications of open-carry laws. Whether viewed as a display of personal freedom or a cause for concern, Larry's trip to the coffee shop has become a point of discussion across the internet.