Marlene Lang writes that attitude is the best self defense:
…otherwise tough and independent women are often dangerously nice girls; we’re waiting politely for the prince, or a police officer, to save us.
But the police are rather busy these days, I hear.
And their appearance is every bit as unpredictable as that of the handsome prince.
What to do, ladies, in a dangerous world?
The author speaks rightly of “banishing fear” and teaching girls this fearless attitude “from the cradle.” Truly, if there is any first line of defense for women, it is to walk with a fearless attitude.
Predators of all stripes tend to sniff out the frightened and gullible, and steer clear of the strident and self-possessed.
Unlearning over-politeness, and our apologetic, debilitating niceness is a lifelong journey for some — and I do make a distinction, having no problem with actual manners! But author Sheldon L. Billips, and many others writing on these themes for women are correct in teaching us to “banish fear.” And that’s not about your front kick. It’s an attitude adjustment.
Marlene Yang also points out that no self-defense technique will save an unarmed person from an armed attacker. People, especially women, need to avoid dangerous situations in the first place.
What do you think?
Friday, March 16th 2007 at 3:46 pm
It good too say:”Avoid dangerous situations” it’s common sense, Avoidance is the only stratergy that guarentees success…but many people do not recognize danger signals.
It’s a skill begging to be learnt.
http://www.realcombat.wordpress.com
Sunday, March 11th 2007 at 1:47 am
“…avoid[ing] dangerous situations in the first place” is the most effective self-defense, in this guy’s opinion. Don’t play near the stove if you don’t want to get burned.
Although that may smack of blaming the victim, it is true that your likelihood of being attacked drops sharply when you avoid dangerous circumstances.
And then, freakin’ arm yourself anyway.