On the Subject of Animals

http://www.kare11.com/news/article/953156/391/Nine-arrested-after-brawl-at-Mall-of-America

Just saw caught this news last night. Although information seems to be sketchy, it seems the rumor of two famous rappers being at the MoA is at the heart of what started this brawl. It doesn't really matter what started it, take a look at the effect. Several fights and brawls started all over the peaceful place, this was not just one isolated fight. Also take note that the location was not some dark alley. It is someplace you have probably been yourself with your family.

A few lessons that stick in my head to take away from this:
- There are packs of wild animals out there, and closer than you probably think. Just because they aren't rabid at the moment doesn't mean it is wise to be in their proximity.

- When a fight goes down, don't think it is over when the two (or few) scrappers break up. When thugs get to fighting they get worked up and don't want to come down right away. Don't be surprised to see a second, third or fourth fight erupt in the wake of the first one, and by other people. When large scale brawls start, get away. Far away.

- Worried about 'profiling' or being judgmental? Screw that, it's your ass buddy. That is to say that your safety and the safety of your family rely on your instincts. Never worry about trying to justify your base instinct that a person, group of people, or a place doesn't feel right. Stuff that PC garbage in a hole where it belongs and listen to your instincts. If you don't like the feel of a place, take your family and leave. If things are getting bad, get inside somewhere that you can lock a door behind you. Just going into a crowded place might not be enough.

- Along the same lines, do not ignore your instincts because you think you are in a protected place. Safety is YOUR responsibility, that means you are your own best protector. Do you really feel confident wandering into a pack of fighting animals and expect someone else to come and save you? How long would it take for you to get stabbed and possibly killed? As we have established in class, it is about a nanosecond. Do you think a mall security guard will be there in time, or even if present, be able to stop it?

A story from 2008 drives these points home very well:
http://www.plamerican.com/view/full_story/13772840/article-Men-accused-of-beating-father-at-Valleyfair

If you feel having a cell phone on you provides security, think again. This is one of the greatest illusions out there, especially among parents thinking that their child having a cell phone provides them safety. Sure it does, when they are stranded and need a ride home but when seconds count and real danger is there, a cell phone is the equivalent to holding a KitKat bar. It won't stop a beating or rape, and cannot summon help anywhere near fast enough - even if there is time to make a call, which there probably isn't.

Also note that Valleyfair has it's own police and, despite being close at hand, could not get to or stop the beat down. You probably spend all of your life farther away from police assistance than the father who was hospitalized during this attack. Don't count on outside help because it is likely not going to come. You must be ready to handle your own safety.

This should be a sobering wake up call. It's your ass, buddy!