reactions from local readers
KATHLEEN MERRYMAN
“Very disappointing. I would not buy or wear it. It took me a while to work out that it was 253 but I do not associate a gun with what makes me appreciate Tacoma. This is not a community building tool.”
Patricia J. Menzies
“Why don’t we ask Margaret Anderson’s kids how they feel about it? Or Jim Sanders’ mom? Or Tina Griswold’s husband? Do we have any idea how much fear that image generates in the heart of anyone who has lost a loved one to gun violence? And just how many people that includes in our community?”
Marguerite Richmond
“I love it. Wanted it as soon as I saw it. Life is not always hearts ‘n’ teddy bears. I got no love for guns, but love the design. The 253 pops out to me, but I appreciate graffiti art. My favorite art doesn’t always reflect my personal values.”
Darren Selector
“I’m appalled. Maybe when you lose your husband and baby to violence, you get a thinner skin. Or maybe you value life more.”
Gayle Elliott
“A+ for spurring an ‘is it art?’ discussion, but a clear fail when it comes to message. Don’t need to revive and perpetuate a stereotype of Tacoma that many have worked hard to get rid of. Certainly not to profit from it.”
Ken Gibson
“This is just too much. I didn’t even know it was a number until I looked closely, but I saw the gun right away. Do not make this design into anything to wear.”
Karen Simpson
“Not only would I not wear or buy this, but I would be inclined to frown upon those who do.”
Debi Osborn
“I bought one. Currently sporting my Defend Tagro shirt that glows in the dark, too.”
Emily Cook
“I would not buy it or wear it. Just what we need – a reminder of the bad old days. Believe me, there are people in others parts of the U.S. that still think of guns when they hear the name Tacoma!”
Linda Shaffer
