Random Bad Encounters and Self-Defense: What’s Your Style?

[_Lorenzo_]

My paternal grandfather, a man in truth quite fearful but also rather superstitious, maintained that wearing perfectly ridiculous clothes, whenever he had to travel to unknown and, in his words, dangerous places, would protect him from unpleasant encounters.
As a child, I didn’t understand this quirk of his, and for a long time I pondered over it; not even my father was of any help in this regard: he avoided the subject and changed the topic.

After countless years of reasoning and reflection, I believe – yes, I believe – I’ve arrived at a fairly plausible and rational explanation: perhaps wearing a ridiculous outfit makes you appear, in the eyes of a potential psychopath, equally unbalanced. And thus, not worthy of any particular attention, except for a certain mutual feeling of sympathetic pity… always assuming that subject “A” (the psychopath) feels a sort of, let’s say, empathy toward subject “B” (the unbalanced one).

That said, this summer I’m going to follow his example, because lately, alas, I’ve often been approached by rather strange and not very reassuring people… In the meantime, I’ve already come up with my ideal outfit as the perfect vacationer (by the way, any other suggestions are welcome…).

P.s.: Attached is my original text.

 

[bjork]

Do you mean in the sense of "if I look like a weirdo, I am less likely to get human trafficked" or just to avoid conversation with strangers? I think someone trying to rob you isn't going to care either way, if that's the aim.

I generally don't have run-ins with people aside from people assuming I have cigarettes or a lighter, though I don't smoke so I have neither.

 

[Cardboardtubeknight Cardboardtubeknight]

Many years ago, I was walking with my lunch to work once where I had to cut through a pretty bad neighborhood. I got approached by several guys and was asked what was in the bag with obvious malice intent. I scrunched my face, hugged the bag, and said "YOUS GONNA MAKE THE BABY JESUS CRY" and they hightailed out of there never to bother me again. I guess you can call that psychic powers.

 

[Jackoragen]

Kick them in the nuts
or Rap shit about them and they clear of
or hit them with thes

 

[Sheepy765]

I tend to avoid confrontation altogether by sheer luck, but if I did somehow get unwanted attention I’d probably run or be weird.