Misconceptions of Fear

In my opinion there are two equally dangerous mindsets that are all too common. The first is the notion that the world, or at least our fair city, is a safe and secure place where you can walk the street with your eyes cast down and your ipod plugged into your head without a care in the world. The second, and perhaps far more foolish concept is that the world is an evil place and a person is never safe when walking alone at night.

I find the latter to be far more deplorable.

Dealing first with the former, I can state plainly that the illusion of safety is just that – an illusion.  As an example, a co-worker I knew a few years ago was set upon from behind in one of the nicer areas of Vancouver. He was beaten very severely about the head, spent weeks in hospital and had permanent damage to one of his eyes as a result. The two attackers who perpetrated the crime took only his ipod and left his wallet which contained more cash than the device was worth. It was sudden, brutal and unprovoked. These thing do, on occasion, happen.

Some people like to pretend that events like this don’t happen in ‘good neighborhoods’. This prompts them to be unprepared to deal with situations like this if they should arise, whether it happens to them or someone they are acquainted with. People seemed raised and goaded into thinking that that the civilized world is safe and, in some way, fair. Nature may always have a grand order to things, but the societies of men sadly do not.

Now onto the latter misconception: Yes, the world is an uncertain place and men are capable of horrid things. Yet most of the terrible people who stalk our streets target the sort of people who give off the impression of being timid and easy to manipulate. I have heard from more than one acquaintance they they do not take the bus in the evening at all, justified by the rationale that they are female and it isn’t safe for women to be alone on transit at night. Even as a man I find this idea rather sexist, and my friends of the fairer sex are inclined to agree with me.

I know more than a few demure females who are more than able to bust the knee of someone twice their size if needs be. Basic self-defense hinges very little on height or sex, merely a certain amount of self-command. Fear such as I have mentioned only works against a person, making them appear even more vulnerable.

Avoiding confrontation usually comes down to simply being aware of your surroundings and holding yourself in a way that shows confidence. It really is not all that difficult . Feeling safe depends entirely on the individual. A person cannot control their environment, but they can always control themselves. A person must take responsibility for their own safety and well-being.

I’m not saying everyone needs to get in amazing physical shape, or that all people should master a martial art. What I am saying is that if you let yourself feel helpless then other people will see you that way as well. Be aware, pay attention and stay calm.