Safety. Okay, so if I want to design a costume that would make me feel more comfortable as a tarot card reader in red state Oklahoma, given that some of the PTSD is from that time they wanted to set me on fire, here are some things.
Silver chains on the bag that I use for tips, attaching it to my waist with something I can realease more easily than a pickpocket if I need to use it in defense. A baton strapped to my thigh (bedazzled). Bedazzled pepper spray, siren, and spiky rings. Suggestions?
@peeppeepcircus Yes, that too. Also, a leather corset with possible chain mail.
Learn self defense. All those items can be grabbed & used against you.
@LnzyHou Yeah, I realized a few min ago the chain and wallet should be in a deep skirt pocket. And classes could def help.
@LnzyHou @tippitiwichet
I speak as a self-described predator-archetype-person here.
I am always telling friends who ask me why I don't buy a firearm or other weapons, "in case of societal collapse" the same thing.
"Why bother? I'll just take the weapons off someone who bought them but doesn't know how to use them."
I _highly_ recommend learning self-defense if you carry weapons, even if for a costume. Might keep you from having some jerk bonk you on the head with stuff you paid for.
Took a class before I went on the road in my van. The most important skill he taught me was train yourself to “feel” someone approaching you. Even on grass.
Over and over he had me close my eyes & feel him coming toward me from all directions. Frustrating at first, I got much better at it with practice.
Now walking for exercise, I am aware of people approaching me. If fast foot falls, I’m hyper aware & turn to see them.
It’s my best defense.
@LnzyHou @tippitiwichet
*nodsnods!
Tom Brown (nature and tracking school guy) says to pay attention to the "concentric circles". You don't just listen for the person or thing, you listen for how their movement affects other things in the environment.
I dunno how many times I noticed a person not because the person made a noise I could hear, but because some crows could hear it and I could hear the crows.
@AskTheDevil @LnzyHou Lol, I know that skill! I once found an urban owl by paying attention to the sudden chatter of starlings and very close attention to when they suddenly stopped. Now I realize I need to add crows and dogs, excellent tip. I'm also pretty good at perimeter checks with an eye on shadows and reflections, from street kid days. I can practice the mindset on walks. Thanks both :)
Detroit born, I learned to protect my six at a young age.
@AskTheDevil @LnzyHou @tippitiwichet
Gemma, as a fellow Okie I understand the base of your dilemma somewhat. As a big hairy male I will never be able to see it the way you do. But I can tell you what I see in others when they see me.
People with weapons either fumble for them (low threat) or do a weapon check and keep walking (competent). Some people noticably check their surroundings, any witnesses, security cameras, defendable positions. Practice - it shows.
@Ulf @LnzyHou @tippitiwichet
This right here. : )
@tippitiwichet a self defense course in how you can take ordinary every day objects to protect yourself from an attacker.