Fortunately many are waking up to the fact that there is a difference, however, it seems there is still a long way to go and many groups out there still subscribe to a Killer-Kung-Fu-Fighter mentality.
You still hear ‘oh it will work on the street because (insert whatever here),’ but that is only part of the equation.
Sure, it may work in the street, but does it leave you looking like the aggressor and, therefor, the guilty party? Will your actions hold up in a court of law? Did you stop when you had to? Did you make every effort to get away? Did you first try to de-escalate the situation? Does your school even teach de-escalation?
Self Defense is a legal term and definition that is very clearly defined in each State and Municipality, if what you did does not fit within that definition and you cannot convince a Judge or Jury of this then chances are likely you will be subject to jail time, legal fees, and all sorts of other issues thereafter.
Even if you are found to be within the legal definition of Self Defense you are going to face some issues, internally (especially if you have never faced violence before) and socially (from those who don’t understand and judge anyway).
Using slang like ‘throw down’ is only going to make it sound worse because it makes one sound like they were looking for a fight and does not fit within the legal realm of Self Defense.
A fight is a mutual thing, both parties are complicit in the violence, the fight is about ego the majority of the time beginning with one party trying to one-up the other in an escalating Monkey Dance (Rory Miller’s term) culminating in someone throwing the first punch.
Chest puffing, voice raising, arms and hands flinging everywhere, there are usually signs.... Overt signs.... Which means one has amazing leg time to swallow their pride and walk away.
The vast majority of violent encounters are like this. Either Domestic Disputes that result in handcuff, hospitals, restraining orders, and damaged reputations or drunken/belligerent scenes that escalate into full blown brawls that last for a short time... Really worth it to prove you’re the biggest and baddest in the room?
Most times the bait fest and baddest does not even get involved and when they have to it is a terrifying sight as they, very calmly, stand up, take a deep breath, clear their spine, glance on with an annoyed look in their eye and just wait.
Yes, street violence does happen and, yes, there are times when violence cannot be avoided. Walking down the street and suddenly you are blocked by a couple bangers one way, ‘Hey, where you going b*tch!?’ and ‘Nice watch! Lemme try it on homes!’ A few dozen shoves, turning to find three more blocking your path the other way.
This is not even an extreme scenario, albeit it does not happen just out of the blue and with a little bit of awareness it can be avoided before it becomes too late.
Most things can be avoided by simply paying attention and following common sense, but when push comes to shove, you have two options... You can give them the watch and whatever cash you’re carrying, maybe they let you walk away, maybe not... Or you can take your chances, hopefully you find an escape, you may not have a choice if they are just looking to use you for their entertainment, either way there are no winners, it is going to hurt, and you are going to face repercussions afterwards.
I was having a conversation with a guy at work about how people tend to glorify violence. I listened as he recounted an experience he had at a local Church.
The Pastor gave a sermon regarding mass shootings and open carry stating that ‘if anyone came in here you should all get down and I will take care of them,’ rather callous, met with applause from the crowd.
The person I was talking to was bothered by this response, not with the idea of doing what you have to do, but with the response. He stated that he had confronted the Pastor afterwards and expressed his concern... ‘People applaud the killing of the image of God without a second thought, but do not applaud when the Preacher talks about the peace and love of Christ.’ The Pastor brushed it off saying that my friend was too young and inexperienced to understand violence.
My friend was a former Green Berret, eleven years in the Army, deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other places... He was also called in for CAG, Black Ops.... Imagine that for a minute.
Glorifying violence, even necessary violence, is not going to be on your mind when you have to actually engage with it.
Those who glorify it have never truly been there on any level and, if they have whilst continuing to glorify it then they are nothing more than a Sociopath...
You can go on and on about the mean streets and how it is, how laws don’t matter, how your training will work because it has worked, most times that is just talk from someone who has something to prove or someone that gets off on that sort of thing.
The fire simply means they are blowing hot air, the latter means they are a criminal and probably should not be given further education in violence.
Teachers that perpetuate this sort of mentality are even worse. They either perpetuate ignorance (which most are ignorant of the beast to begin with) or they perpetuate the violent criminal mindset itself by providing it with more tools of the trade.
Learn the difference.
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