I think ignoring some verbal lunacy and (non-violent) bizarre behaviour can be appropriate in many circumstances. Not making eye contact is part of that. Taking a “tough” stance is more likely to be “punching down”. It’s a bit like ignoring some of the “noise” on Twitter/X - but with more important consequences.
I think ignoring some verbal lunacy and (non-violent) bizarre behaviour can be appropriate in many circumstances. Not making eye contact is part of that. Taking a “tough” stance is more likely to be “punching down”. It’s a bit like ignoring some of the “noise” on Twitter/X - but with more important consequences.
In the very rare instance my family is confronted with something like this, I agree. My first priority is to get my family safe and if that means placating a nutjob while we move to safety then that's what I do.
However, it's very rare for us as I've deliberately structured our life to avoid mentally deranged people. We live in a nice area, we are picky about where we spend our time. We don't venture into crappy, crime-ridden neighborhoods just because there's a good restaurant or some other triviality. We don't go to huge events likely to attract thugs or with open, promoted alcohol consumption. These events draw degenerates like flies to poop.
There's a huge difference between acting passively to mayhem in a rare, tactical situation as opposed to doing it as a way of life. It's the latter I'm talking about as it crushes people's spirit.
I think ignoring some verbal lunacy and (non-violent) bizarre behaviour can be appropriate in many circumstances. Not making eye contact is part of that. Taking a “tough” stance is more likely to be “punching down”. It’s a bit like ignoring some of the “noise” on Twitter/X - but with more important consequences.
In the very rare instance my family is confronted with something like this, I agree. My first priority is to get my family safe and if that means placating a nutjob while we move to safety then that's what I do.
However, it's very rare for us as I've deliberately structured our life to avoid mentally deranged people. We live in a nice area, we are picky about where we spend our time. We don't venture into crappy, crime-ridden neighborhoods just because there's a good restaurant or some other triviality. We don't go to huge events likely to attract thugs or with open, promoted alcohol consumption. These events draw degenerates like flies to poop.
There's a huge difference between acting passively to mayhem in a rare, tactical situation as opposed to doing it as a way of life. It's the latter I'm talking about as it crushes people's spirit.