Man or Animal?

This is an item that made news recently, and you may have heard of it. I'll warn you that the video is disturbing. Even sickening, although it is not bloody or terribly graphic. Here is a link to the article, including the video:

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Teen-Punching-Man-at-CTA-Stop-Caught-on-Tape-133703583.html

In thinking on the simple self-defense level, the obvious mistakes I can see being made are:
1) Don't assume someone is harmless or benevolent, even though they are smiling and laughing

2) Don't think that looking as though you are harmless will keep you safe from danger

3) If you are around animals, you are going to get bitten

This last thought led me to contemplate society in general. It is believed that we live in a civilized nation of men and women, each who has some kind of morality and ethics - even though they may be different from ours. That is true for men and women, but not true for animals.

If you are around an animal, you must appreciate that animal's behavior. You cannot blame a wasp for stinging or a rattlesnake for biting. It's what they do. To protect yourself, you keep those things at a distance or you kill them. Animals will not be bought off or reasoned with. Distracted, maybe. Mere proximity is dangerous, and as survivalists we must understand that.

In the case above, the animal is in human form and cares nothing about responsible or ethical behavior. Unlike the more predictable wasp or rattlesnake, it is not territory protection or response to a perceived threat that has caused him to lash out. The teen didn't get pissed off or defensive to lash out. It seems to have been just for kicks.

A psychologist might call this sociopathic behavior. Who the hell cares what you call it when you have been laid out for no apparent reason. Although I have been been rather disgusted by the number of spontaneous fistfights and brawls in IHops and fast food restaurants, this video is even more disturbing because there was no real lead up or confrontation. It was just an ambush against a helpless target, for the pure adrenaline ride.

I'll stop before unloading my opinion and wondering why society allows animals to walk among men. Instead, let's just keep these lessons at heart:
1) Underestimate no one - anyone can be an animal

2) Remember that showing weakness will invite predators, it will not keep them from noticing you

3) Mind your surroundings and part company with animals immediately

P.S. Here is a news follow up on this matter. Evidently, this is a game now gaining popularity called "Point 'em out, knock 'em out".