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Sep 22, 2009 5:01 pm

This is kind of a follow up from Moraen’s topic on politeness but a step further. 

Is there ever a time when words from some punks would result in a physical confrontation? Example, you're walking with your family and some punks say some dumb crap in passing.  This happened over the weekend as I was with my family and extended family and some young punks (about 7 of them) walked by and said some stupid stuff.  To be honest, I couldn't really make out what they were saying but a relative of mine ( a self proclaimed tough guy) wanted to teach them a lesson and start a fight.  Situation: we were in Jamaica, Queens.  If anyone is remotely familiar with NYC, you know Jamaica, Queens, in general, is not the best place.  That said, it wasn't the worst area in the world but still pretty rough.  Luckily, nothing happened and no one got hurt but it could have been a messy situation.  I was really upset as I don't think any words, regardless of the content, would warrant me risking losing everything over some young punks who have nothing to lose.  My relative is of a different mindset, mostly macho crap.  Any thoughts?
Sep 22, 2009 5:07 pm

I think you just set a record for the use of the word "punks" in a RR forum post.

Sep 22, 2009 5:09 pm

[quote=SometimesNowhere]

I think you just set a record for the use of the word "punks" in a RR forum post.

[/quote]    I didn't even think of it, lol. 
Sep 22, 2009 5:23 pm

I think it depends on the situation and where you are at. From your explanation and with numerous family members around I would have ignored it because the risk isn’t worth the reward. On the other hand, if you are jogging around your neighborhood and two punks yell “fag” or “windy” at you, then I think a physical confrontation would be a nice lesson.

Sep 22, 2009 5:26 pm

I lived in Queens for a few years.  IMHO, I think the setting is a bit different than if you ran into some “punks” at the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey.  The former could cost you big in many, many ways.  The latter, you could probably get away with a verbal smack-down and send them home in their parent’s Escalade.

  If you have a career, and more importantly, family to consider, I would never, ever risk something very bad happening, unless of course your/your family's safety was at risk (i.e. they assaulted you or a family member).  Sometimes being a man means knowing when to walk away.  Being crippled, dead, or in jail/unemployed does nobody any good.
Sep 22, 2009 5:26 pm
Ron 14:

I think it depends on the situation and where you are at. From your explanation and with numerous family members around I would have ignored it because the risk isn’t worth the reward. On the other hand, if you are jogging around your neighborhood and two punks yell “fag” or “windy” at you, then I think a physical confrontation would be a nice lesson.

Sep 22, 2009 5:27 pm
Ron 14:

I think it depends on the situation and where you are at. From your explanation and with numerous family members around I would have ignored it because the risk isn’t worth the reward. On the other hand, if you are jogging around your neighborhood and two punks yell “fag” or “windy” at you, then I think a physical confrontation would be a nice lesson.

  I'll let you know when I stop peeing myself !!
Sep 22, 2009 5:28 pm
Ron 14:

I think it depends on the situation and where you are at. From your explanation and with numerous family members around I would have ignored it because the risk isn’t worth the reward. On the other hand, if you are jogging around your neighborhood and two punks yell “fag” or “windy” at you, then I think a physical confrontation would be a nice lesson.

  Classic
Sep 22, 2009 5:29 pm

Damn, that was funny … I have tears in my eyes.  Ron, take the day off.

Sep 22, 2009 8:39 pm

I would risk EVERYTHING for the safety and well-being of my family. Words are nothing. Empty phrases that can be ignored. They affect nothing. If threats are made and they seem likely to happen, by all means, get physical.



As an aside, tactically it makes sense to act first. Violence of action, with the intent to cause the most harm as swiftly as possible if it appears your family will be harmed.



By the way Ron, you get the post of the week and quite possibly the post of the month.

Sep 22, 2009 10:56 pm

If you beat up a minor, you are screwed!   Walk away and relish in the fact that those punks will some day be washing your BMW.

Sep 23, 2009 2:38 pm
BioFreeze:

Concealed handgun. 

I have a CCW, and you and I both know that if you so much as show them your gun, you are seriously effed.   On another note, I became much more self aware after getting into this career.  In my younger years I was always the guy ready to jump into a physical confrontation over some "punks" saying something stupid.  When I got rolling in the "real world"  I finally figure out that its better to confront them verbally.  Nine times out of 10 they get scared and either apologize or walk away. (it probably doesn't hurt that I'm 6'3'' and not exactly built like a flagpole.)  HOWEVER, if something unblowoffable is said to my Wife, or the threat of a physical confrontation is brought on by the other person, than yes, it is ok to remind them what my fist tastes like.
Sep 23, 2009 3:14 pm

Let me be clear . . . If my life is in danger or the lives of my family and close friends are in danger, I will not hesitate to defend myself at whatever cost.  The question I had is there is no threat and words are just being thrown at you while an individual or group is walking away, is it worth is to escalate the situation no matter what is said? And the area you live in or grew up in play a huge factor in what should be done.  There are certain parts of this country that people get killed all the time.  For example, if anyone has been in Washington D.C., responding to a comment in South East DC is a recipe for disaster.  I just don't see it being worth it especially with guns and weapons being so easily accessible. 

Sep 23, 2009 3:35 pm

God, I love Texas.

Sep 23, 2009 5:02 pm

Walking away, if possible, is always the right answer. Answering will lead to confrontation. If they have a weaopn you are screwed. If you pull a weapon on them and they are unarmed you are screwed, regardless of how many of your teeth are on the sidewalk. It’s just the way it is.

  Years ago i had a problem with of all people, a motorcycle gang. Not the Hells Angels or Warlocks. Just some half-assed local nitwits. I couldn't deal with these guys head on because I'd lose. So i made a phone call to a friend. This guy was ranking law enforcement official. Now, don't know exactly what happened, except that pleasantries were exchanged and that the messege that these guys should consider certain neighborhoods toxic to their continued ability to walk upright on the planet was successfully conveyed. Officially all I know is that within a few days of making the call I never saw these guys again. Diplomacy is always the right answer.
Sep 23, 2009 5:23 pm
mlgone:

Bernard Goetz

  "You don't look so bad, here's another" ....   Awesome!
Sep 23, 2009 5:53 pm
SometimesNowhere:

[quote=mlgone]Bernard Goetz

  "You don't look so bad, here's another" ....   Awesome![/quote]   LOL, that was an outstanding story.  That was good for those bastards. 
Sep 23, 2009 5:56 pm
army13A:

[quote=SometimesNowhere][quote=mlgone]Bernard Goetz

  "You don't look so bad, here's another" ....   Awesome![/quote]   LOL, that was an outstanding story.  That was good for those bastards.  [/quote]   According the wikipedia page, all three of the guys that didn't end up paralyzed went on to commit more crimes later. One of them held the gun while one of his friends sodomized, raped, and impregnated some poor girl. Apparently Bernie should have had a bigger gun that day.
Sep 24, 2009 11:41 pm

[quote=army13A]This is kind of a follow up from Moraen’s topic on politeness but a step further. 

Is there ever a time when words from some punks would result in a physical confrontation? Example, you're walking with your family and some punks say some dumb crap in passing.  This happened over the weekend as I was with my family and extended family and some young punks (about 7 of them) walked by and said some stupid stuff.  To be honest, I couldn't really make out what they were saying but a relative of mine ( a self proclaimed tough guy) wanted to teach them a lesson and start a fight.  Situation: we were in Jamaica, Queens.  If anyone is remotely familiar with NYC, you know Jamaica, Queens, in general, is not the best place.  That said, it wasn't the worst area in the world but still pretty rough.  Luckily, nothing happened and no one got hurt but it could have been a messy situation.  I was really upset as I don't think any words, regardless of the content, would warrant me risking losing everything over some young punks who have nothing to lose.  My relative is of a different mindset, mostly macho crap.  Any thoughts? [/quote]     Being a 13A is your problem. We 11Bs aren't phased by something so innocent!
Sep 25, 2009 2:09 pm

Damn - and he didn’t even put on of those emoticons on it army!