Every environment has its threats. The urban one is no different. Only, the danger here usually comes in a form that's much more familiar to us than those in, say, a desert or the ocean. It's other people. However, when it comes to protecting ourselves in the city, most of us are still pretty bad at it.
But there's an online discussion that can help. A week ago, Reddit user u/LegalCriminal69 asked people with "street smarts" to share advice that can help to survive in our concrete jungle, and quite a few came through with useful tips. Continue scrolling and you will find some of the best ones.
#21
Be aware, but not afraid, of your surroundings. S**t people look for the unwary and afraid, because they're easier to bully/rob.
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51points
#22
If you're in a big town or a city and a group of kids surround you, keep your hands in your pockets and don't let them get behind you. Some will try to distract you while others pickpocket you.
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49points
#23
At any place where you're stationary for a period of time (e.g. bus stop) assess the area and identify all possible escape routes. Also check if there's anything nearby that you could use as a weapon to even the score. I often do the escape route thing if I'm in a waiting room like a doctors surgery, probably just because I get bored easily. I'm a people watcher too so I'm always aware of how many people are around and the energy each of them bring into the room.
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48points
#24
Don't talk to any strangers and don't let them stop you on the street. Just keep walking.
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43points
#25
1) If you have the opportunity sprint away to a public place with lots of witnesses in any sketchy situation
2) gunshots nearby (like a block or two away at most) find cover, get behind it and keep a low profile. Don't look like a threat, don't be a hero, try to find where the shots are coming from and quickly/discreetly get the f**k away
3) if you have to fight, assume you are fighting for your life. There is no honor, mfers aren't here to have an honor duel they are here to hurt you. Punch, kick, eye gouge and especially bite in a street situation with a stranger. Everyones a gangster til you bite a chunk out of them.
4) be familiar with the area. Don't go into the hoods if you aren't known there/know how to carry yourself in a rough area. After living in the projects, carrying yourself with confidence and moving with a purpose are much more valuable than tryna rep your s**t if you're not about that life. Know the best ways to get through/out of a bad neighborhood
5) don't trust street vendors (really just hustlers). The best response is "sprekenzy deutsch" or "Hablo espanol" depending on the particular hustler.
6) most importantly, mind your own f****n business
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42points
#26
Don’t cross a busy road 20ft from a crossing with a light.
Live another day.
Live another day.
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41points
#27
ALWAYS. Be attentive to your surroundings.
The simplest, yet most important rule of them all.
The simplest, yet most important rule of them all.
Don't have headphones in, making you unable to hear anything around you.
Don't have your face up in your expensive phone, making you blind to your surroundings and showing off your easy-to-grabs.
Do, look around. Make it a habit to always look around, or look at that noise and figure out what's going on around you.
That way, you'll see those two dudes coming up to rob you, and you'll hear the third one sneaking up behind you to jump you.
Another pro-tip. Have RBF. Resting b***h face puts people off.
Most people looking to rob you are just trying to intimidate you and get you to hand over your valuables, not a fight that could land them in prison with an AWADW charge or 2nd degree murder charge.
Most people looking to rob you are just trying to intimidate you and get you to hand over your valuables, not a fight that could land them in prison with an AWADW charge or 2nd degree murder charge.
*and if you're South American, the prisons are notoriously s**t so if you do get arrested it will be really s**t, and if you don't get arrested they kill without discretion in certain SA countries.
RBF can be the difference between looking easy and looking like a problem.
And lastly, if you DO get robbed, and you have not been killed, cooperate.
The coward pieces of s**t that kill to steal will shoot first and ask questions second. Its these F***s that make it particularly important to go back to the first rule.
ALWAYS BE ATTENTIVE TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS. You'll spot a mugging a block away, and react accordingly.
As for my credibility, I grew up in a particular South American Country. That's all you need to trust my words.
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39points
#28
Don't ever have your eyes looking down at the ground. Keep your eyes looking what's in front of you and attentive to your surroundings.
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39points
#29
Never show fear or nervousness when you’re female and alone. If a man tries to draw you in, it sounds counter-intuitive, but you’re better off being friendly and in control than hostile.
“Hey hon! I am in a damn hurry - hope you’re good!” And laugh and walk faster as you wave and smile.
- woman who travels alone and has walked some scary places at 3am
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36points
#30
Don’t be the person to start a fight, it’s really not worth it
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32points