Why can't I just walk home without being interviewed by thugs?

[swampy]

Nope. Neither will a stun gun. Someone isn't going to shoot you because your wallet is empty.

But they may do if you pull a knife on them.

[Napalm]

But they may do if you pull a knife on them.

And probably repeatedly.

[silverx2]

bang bang

[theallan]

they look like thugs and smelt like thugs

If they look like thugs and smelt like thugs - then they probably are. Wait ten minutes and phone the police... That sort of behaviour simply isn't on.

British youths wouldn't know what the **** it is. They'd more likely try and steal it thinking it's a phone.

rotfl - I'd like to see that. "Oh its buzzing - I'll answer" *holds phone up to ear* ZAPPP

A

[Natsia]

HAH, sorry that doesnt happen here. Friend got mugged and stabbed (missed the jugular by about an inch = 2.5 cm) for the shoes on his feet. And this was while he and his chick were walking home from the movies.
If someone wants to rob you, and you dont have money, do you honestly think they'll turn around and say "sorry man, didnt know you were broke, here you go have a lollypop" no, they're going to try and frighten you or hurt you enough to shut you up about it.

[krona]

But they may do if you pull a knife on them.

Taking into account the number of times I've had knives in my face Vs the number of times I've been confronted by youths with no weapon Vs the likelihood of some crack dealer willing to use a firearm in broad daylight, I'm willing to take my chances.

[swampy]

you brought up the "moss-side-shot-in-face" argument, not me.

[argonauta]

Something like that happened over here, no thugs though: dirty heavy metal rockers from the other side of town. One of them aproached me and asked me if i had some money for them, for the bus. I said no, he said 'oh, so you want us to kill you?'. I doubt they would have, if they wanted to do so, they wouldn't have asked. I was scared, but answered with the same calm tone 'man, i have no money, what you want me to do? i have none, so good bye'.

If you show you're scared, they'll keep bothering you.

Don't threaten them, just be evasive. I guess something like 'don't bother me or i'll call the cops' might make them angry and unless you're willing to fight, you don't want to make anybody angry.

Never stop walking.

Don't walk next to a wall, it's easy to trap you that way. Walk close to the street, where you have more places to choose from if you have to run.

Be aware of everything that's happening around you. How many they are, where are the others while one of them talks to you, what is around you, were can you go. Like Robert de Niro in Ronin: 'I never walk into a place I don't know how to walk out of.'

[The_Xell]

Krona, sorry but I want to pick on what you said. If you stabbed them in the leg, you used a weapon against someone. You'd be the one in court for doing wrong.

End of the day, any sort of weapon used/held will be used against you, in the fight, or in court.

When I was in South Africa I saw a personal flame thrower.

Coolest.Thing.Ever!

[WannaBe_80z]

I say just walk around like this all day. I have never had a problem yet.

[swampy]

If you stab someone in the thigh theres a fair chance you could kill them

[Frets]

Taser's-

They don't have to know what it is. A weapon attractive or not is not for show.
It's for use. Never show a weapon untill the point of which you are going to use it.
(unless you can't conceal it)


I've been shot once stabbed on two separate occasions.
and have a few battle scars.

Never threaten with a weapon. Either you use it or you don't. If you are not prepared to use a weapon then don't carry one.
Threatening or showing your weapon as a threat serves no purpose accept to increase the risk factor. When I see a weapon my first goal is disarm or disable at all costs.

Having a weapon can make you feel confident in a situation. I worked in a 24 hour convienence store. No camera's, No co workers during my shift and no glass restraints. Every night after last call I'd have roughnecks and punks coming in wanting alcohol. Threats and intimidation was all part of the night. I've got a small frame
(5'6" 110) When they started posturing and threatening I stood my ground never lost eye contact. Immediately they knew something was up. They didn't know what, but it made them step back and question why I was so confident. I had legally available mace in my smock. Simply knowing I had a defense plan and being prepared to use it
was all I needed. I never had to use it. After my first month most of the tough guy antic's stopped.
If they are left blind

[The_Xell]

I've been shot once stabbed on two separate occasions.
and have a few battle scars.

I knew it! You're 50 Cent right?

[Loyal Rogue]

Shot... stabbed... convenience store... I thought Frets' photo looked familiar...



"I have been shot eight times this year and as a result I almost missed work."

.

[Natsia]

I have to concur with frets on this.
Well said

[asheep_uk]

Shot and stabbed? Bloody hell...

Interesting to read everybody's stories and opinions, it's given me some things to think about, so thank you.

[stumpy]

Easy now! Don't go doing anything to crazy! Where have all the flowers gone? Up in gunsmoke I guess.

[Markp.com]

Easy now! Don't go doing anything to crazy! Where have all the flowers gone? Up in gunsmoke I guess.

Are you Swampys shorter brother?

[Frets]

Not on the same occasion mind you.

Different incidents.

[noiselab]

Sounds like back home in Russia almost, you'd be walking through downtown and there would be a bunch of skinheads plastered all over some ancient landmark, so then god forbid you have any international insignia on your clothes or you are pimpin US logos on your shoes....****. One time I remember my mom got me this north pole jacket for the winter, and as I'm walking to school several of these ****s surrounded me and told me to take that **** off, of course being it was -35C, I told them to go **** themselves, only to find a steel toe busting me straight in the teeth. Some ****ing people....really.