A jogger in South Carolina recently became internet famous for a post about carrying her pistol when she jogs. There are states in which one might carry a concealed weapon (Florida) and others in which "open carry" is allowed. It have visited many businesses in my travels and seen a variety of citizens with pistols on their belts. In some Mississippi and Louisiana towns, it is commonplace.
British newspaper The Daily Mail expressed its contempt with the headline
"Female jogger sparks fierce debate after revealing VERY disturbing running accessory"
The coverage claims that this lady's election to open carry "has shocked even the most avid of joggers." Despite this judgmental reaction, the Mail notes that this jogger has experienced scrutiny from men as she jogs, and she believes her obvious pistol is a deterrent. It noted that the jogger's post drew both commendation and criticism.
Despite the Daily's apparent shock and incredulity, the South Carolinian is not apparently alone. A quick internet search for "jogging holster" will produce multiple results and alternatives.
Some would find the Mail headline VERY disturbing. The suggestion that personal protection and safety is "disturbing" might itself be "disturbing" to some.
The New York Post coverage is less judgmental, perhaps. There are explanations there of this mother's motivations, and her perception that "women get assaulted in broad daylight all the time."
The topic resonated with me for two distinct reasons. First, I exercise every morning in the dark. Sometime before the sun rises each day, I will get my two miles. The streets are quiet at that time of day here in the suburbia of Paradise.
About a month ago, a solitary jogger passed me one morning (moving much faster than I was). I said "Good morning," and she neither looked my way nor responded. I do not see her frequently, since that time, but about weekly. She has acclimated to some degree and now responds to my "good morning" with a hand wave and meets my eyes.
I wonder how she would react if I were armed (open carry is not legal in Florida). I have never paid much attention, but now I wonder if she may be armed? I would respect her choice if she were. Would she respect mine? Or is this a distinction with a real difference - men with a weapon might be a threat?
The second reason for resonance is recent conversations with women attorneys about their efforts in the Women in Workers' Compensation subcommittee of The Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Section. This group is striving to raise awareness, to network, and to succeed. See Challenges and Triumphs (April 2025). I have learned much from them.
In a word, their efforts are "inspiring." They are building community, sharing experiences, and educating. That is part of it. They are also bonding, nurturing, and mentoring - all positive and needed. I was honored to participate in their "Work Life Balance" presentation at the Forum. But it was in preparation for that I heard troubling thoughts.
One speaker posed the question: "how often do men fear for their safety?" The others in that conversation instantly assented, and some anecdotes were quickly shared. Safety is a daily concern; that is a key point. It's not the joggers, the out-in-the-darkers, or any other subcategory.
Hearing them, I concluded that there are those in the community who believe that old, white men do not have safety concerns (that is for another day).
Their spontaneous comments in this regard made me reflect on the lady jogger in my neighborhood. She has acclimated some, but is likely still wary of my presence in the dark. She has a discernible safety concern(s) in the pre-dawn.
The jogger in South Carolina likewise has some safety concerns, though she apparently jogs in "broad daylight." She says she has been observed or followed by those who make her uncomfortable.
The questions that come seem to cascade:
- Is it only women who ever think about safety (hint- "no," I do all the time)?
- Is there more that we could all do to make people feel safer?
- Is public display (open carry) of weapons the solution? An amelioration? or "VERY disturbing?"
Those are worthy of consideration. Your answers may vary. But, the no-brainer is more patent. There are people who often think about their safety. They are among us, concerned at times or more often. At a minimum, we might all acknowledge that potential. That is the no-brainer - consideration of their concerns, acknowledgment of their concerns.
In the bigger picture, can we all do more to alleviate those concerns? Perhaps the beginning of that is a larger conversation about safety, our perceptions of it, our trepidations, our phobias? My gut reaction to speak to the jogger in my world might have alleviated concern or exacerbated anxiety. How am I to know, and how do we do better?
courtesy https://www.etsy.com/listing/289681305/hip-holster-safe-and-secure-walking-gun