Crapshoot, you have that right, they don't care how they are perceived, nor should they. If I am interviewing for a job then I obviously I do whatever is necessary (within reason) to ensure I get the job. But shooting is my time, just as is going to the movies, or camping or whatever. I don't give two ####s what someone else thinks of my clothes, gear, fangs or anything else for that matter. Just because people do make judgment calls on how people dress, doesn't mean we should encourage that kind of behavior by trying to change who we are as individuals to meet their standards. That's not how life should be, you can do that if you like, I won't.
Oh and when I interviewed for jobs after going to BCIT, I wore all my piercings, and fangs, strangely enough I had 6 offers from 7 interviews. The one I didn't get an offer from was filled before the interview, but I asked to do the interview anyhow, just for experience.
On a further note, unlike any of you, I have had the joyous pleasure of having been to court due to my opinions and dress and actions. At the end of the hearing, during the judges decision, he tore a strip off of the Crown, and the investigating officer for doing the very thing so many of you not only think is ok, but condone, judging people without actually getting to know them. He sided with me, giving me a very strong decision in my favour. This is just one of the reasons I feel the way I do about these things. Some of you will be thinking I got what I deserved, and in the end I did, I won.
Education is the key, educate people to who we are, all of us, and then we'll see the sport grow. But stay close minded and the shooting sports will continue to dwindle.
Canuck44- yes the idea is idiotic. And it's nice to know that feel it's within your power to tell me, or anyone else what to wear. I'll remember that. I guess I'll make a motion at my club (of which I am prez), that no one over the age of 55 can shoot there. Why? well it makes just as much sense as what you're trying to push on me and others.