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Message: <blockquote data-quote="barsoomcore" data-source="post: 656410" data-attributes="member: 812">Re: SerpenteyeWell, I think I would call myself anti-weapon in that I'm opposed to making it easier for people to get hurt or killed, but I'll certainly come to the assistance of anyone I see who's in trouble. I've stood up to stab-crazy thugs, as I noted above, and prevented them from attacking me, without lifting a finger, much less a knife or a Mag-Lite. Even though they'd just stabbed a man as I arrived. Even though I was a potential witness to a potential murder.If somebody has to get hurt, of course I would prefer it to be the nasty attacking scumbag. But I would far, far prefer that no one get hurt at all. I know mythago considers my notion ridiculous but it has worked for me for many years and allowed me to withstand truly violent people intent on violence without anyone getting hurt.I see a man with a knife and I think, "Fear." I think that man is afraid, and to comfort himself he carries what he thinks will make other people afraid of him. The problem is that when you frighten people, you make them very unpredictable. You give them reasons to attack -- because they need to comfort themselves against the fear you've just instilled.I'm a big guy -- 6'4" and broad-shouldered -- and just because of that fact alone I tend to draw violent types towards me. Because I'm big and intimidating and they need to demonstrate (even if only to themselves) that they are not afraid of me. It caused me trouble in the past, but not for many years now, that I've learned so much more about setting people at their ease and standing in front of them without being intimidating. Because I'm not afraid anymore.People don't just attack each other at random. Attackers select victims, and by knowing that, you can remove yourself from the selection process. Not only yourself but the people around you, the area within your presence.This isn't magic or hocus-pocus or new-age empowerment crap. These are just the facts of how people get along with each other. Or don't, as the case may be.It's not very popular because you don't get to win battles against nasty foes. There isn't a secret font of wisdom or a twelve-step process. There's no moral superiority or cool foreign terminology. There aren't even swords, and anything without swords doesn't usually get very far in my books.It's just compassion, insight and courage. Without those, I don't care how many black belts you have or what kind of knife you carry. You're not doing anybody any good.Whew! I don't usually get so serious. Sounds corny, don't it? Well, I guess it is. I can't tell you how surprised I am that it works.</blockquote>

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