What would be your assessment of the person's intent in the following hypothetical situation?

Poll - Total Votes: 5

Option A

Option B

Option C

You may vote on multiple answers.

A young man, whom we shall call Jerome, has heard of a Proud Boys rally in a neighboring state. He has watched the news, and is aware of the damage the Proud Boys appear to enjoy doing in the name of their cause. Additionally, he disagrees with the entire purpose of their existence.

In response to this news, Jerome chooses to cross state lines in order to see this rally for himself. Before leaving, he puts on his favorite "Black Lives Matter" t-shirt, as well as his jacket with the Antifa logo on the back. Although he is 17 years old, his parents trust him not to cause any trouble at the rally, and wish him good luck.

Once he has crossed into the state where the rally is taking place, Jerome stops by the home of a close relative, and asks to borrow a gun. This relative gives him an AR-15, and makes certain Jerome is aware of its safe use.

Now armed, Jerome makes his way to the Proud Boys rally, gun clearly visible strapped to his back.

What is Jerome's purpose in doing this? Is he merely attending this rally to defend his family and loved ones? Is he attending in order to make known his opinion of their political position? Or would you speculate that Jerome is looking for trouble, perhaps even a gunfight?

Ynotisay · M

Did Jerome really defend his family and loved ones? Or is Jerome an easily manipulated, cowardly, poorly raised, racist with a need to belong because he's gutless?

CorvusBlackthorne · 100+, M

@Ynotisay Excellent question. Jerome assumes he is defending his family and loved ones, but it is possible that he has been manipulated into believing this to be true.