Street Smarts
Lessons — By Rolando on May 8, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Street Smarts
What is the world coming to? Today I was listening to CNN and they talked about how kids are dying every week on the streets of Chicago. Somehow kids are dealing with their problems with violence. One kid was shot twice in the same neighborhood just riding his bike. I’m not sure how that could have been avoided. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
There are plenty of things that can be done and I’ll leave that to the politicians, educators, and law enforcement agents to figure out. While these groups are figuring out a solution, this would be a good time to develop your street smarts.
Street smarts isn’t something you learn in school, it’s something you learn on the ’streets’ by observing people. It’s like a game. When I go out to public places I always make sure I’m sitting in the power position. The power position is the seat that have view to the door and can see everything in that area. I never had my back to the door and I always pay attention to what is going around me, the sounds around me, and just paying attention to my surroundings.
When I walk around I try to keep my hand outside of my pockets. I want to be able to use my hands in an emergency situation. Keeping your hands in your pockets will leave you vulnerable (unless you’re holding pepper spray or have your house keys wrapped in-between your fingers).
Having street smarts also means having common sense. It means not walking to your car by yourself at night. It means always thinking about your safety and staying out of bad places. Sometimes you are in situations that are out of your control. Best thing is to get in control and get in a comfortable and safe environment. Nothing is worth your safety.
Being alert includes profiling people. I know it’s bad, but it’s what I do. If I see a suspicious person, I keep my eye on him. I watch his movements and observe any unusual behavior. This behavior includes constantly watching for authorities, gazing at children, monitoring women’s belonging, etc. Sometimes I wish I had a photographic memory so I could recall a face at will.
Don’t be fooled either. Having street smarts means being tough and not letting anyone BS you or rope you into something you do not want to do. There are lessons in school that are important to remember. Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t ride in a strangers car. Don’t walk home alone. I’m sure there are more tips that the schools teach now-a-days. Learn them all if you’re still in school. If not, then Google ‘safety tips‘ and see what you find.
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16 Comments
I am a trained Ninja Fighter, and can dodge bullets with my “very quick” and keen prowess … so I do not worry
Seriously – there has been a major shift regarding community gang and crime levels in the last decade, and it will not be getting better. As politically incorrect as this is, most problem areas are were multiple generations of lifetime welfare recipients reside. This is simple fact, and can be proven. Where you have idle hands, you have lack of values. I see parents that I would not let watch my dog for an hour, let alone raise a human. This will not get better, it will get worse. Many see having kids as a method of income, and there lies the brunt of urban decay. Again, I know this sounds completely wrong and uncaring … but kids born into the gang infested city for profit is the real “uncaring” action.
We also have a nation bombarded with new residents from other nations, and many come with a severe criminal background. While I believe in freedom, my forefathers came to this country after passing through Ellis Island, where you needed to prove your identity, health, and that you could be a safe and productive citizen. Many were regected because they were seen as a possible liability or burden to the state. Now we welcome all, and give them free money, non taxed income, voting rights, and drivers liceances even when there entrance to the US may have been illeagal. If I was a Mexican criminal, I would be crossing the border in a hurry. Drug traffic flows across our borders like regular commerce! (and the liberal left wants a free and open North American Alliance)
I believe we have left our values in the dust Rolando. We are not a people of dedicated hard working individuals that take “responsibility for our actions” anymore. We have become a people of opprotunity. What can the government do for me? What is the easy way? I see it as our downfall as a country, and our children are watching. In my personal opinion, we have also lost our faith in this country. Rappers, gansters, and low morality guidlines are glorified by media and other sources.
Here is another fact … my Mother grew up on a farm in the midwest. The area was very prosperous and safe up until the 80’s. Now heavily populated, it is an area I would NOT BE SAFE at any time of the day. There are shootings, drugs, prostitution, and violent crimes as a regular daily happening. Sad, very sad, yet we have brought this on ourselves. I hate to watch as this problem gets worse, with no end in sight. I feel the most pain for the children – innocent victoms of garbage parents. Mad??? I really am. Politically correct … probably not.
Speedcat Hollydale’s last blog post..Camera Phone Uploads
(did my comment disappear?)
Speedcat Hollydale’s last blog post..Camera Phone Uploads
I agree with you Speedy. It’s scary and upsetting at the same time. I’d like to have faith, but I’m sure I am just setting myself up for disappointment.
While I recognize there is a problem with all these shootings, etc. I’d still like to give some advice and how to be more proactive and more aware. If it saves a life or protects one’s own, then my job is done.
My old stomping grounds have changed and I don’t think I would want to raise a family in the same neighborhood just as your mom’s area is no longer a safe haven.
If it were legal to protect myself, I would. Not just for me but for my family’s sake. Meanwhile, I really hope someone in leadership can do something about the crime and murder in our country.
Or…. you could do like me, and never leave the house!
meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..Monday’s With Meleah
@meleah rebeccah
Just hope you don’t stub your toe lol.
I saw that in the news recently- I was born in Chicago and just feel so sad. I have five children and my heart just goes out to those parents and families.
Michelle Gartner’s last blog post..Smokey Bear Tonka Playsets 1972
LOL @ Meleah !!!!! ha haaaaaaaaa
Speedcat Hollydale’s last blog post..Mellow Yellow Monday #18 & Firemen Saving a Dog
Rolando, when I re-read my comment, it sounded “angry”. I did not mean it that way. “Concerned” and wanting a better world is closer to my actual thinking.
Speedcat Hollydale’s last blog post..Mellow Yellow Monday #18 & Firemen Saving a Dog
As usually the Catman is on point.
I’d like to add however; This country is ruled by one thing GREED!!! Crime continues to flourish because it pays. Lawyers, judges, cops and criminals are all part of the same racket. One hand washes the other..back room deals, plea bargains and payoffs. If a crime goes unsolved so what, that just means they all get to stay on the payroll “solving” it.
The only victim I see are the law bidding citizens like you and me.
One thing though gangs are not solely found in the bad neighborhoods. But they are the ones that make the most noise and are easy to point a finger at. Gangs are in the upper crust as well, distributing bad peanut butter that they are aware of being contaminated. Selling tires that they know the tread is going to fly off when the vehicle hit the highway. Encouraging the none credit worthy to purchase homes they are aware they can’t afford. Gangs are in churches, banks and hospital. The Health Care system and Phamacutical Companies are the biggest gang lords of our generation.
I don’t sit with my back to the door either, and my home village is still safe, but I’m sure not for long.
Debo Hobo’s last blog post..Mellow Yellow Monday- Commuting Adventures & Dreams of a 4×4 Jeep Jockey
Exellent comment Debo … and very true.
Speedcat Hollydale’s last blog post..Speedcat Hollydale is the 40-ish Year Old Virgin
ooops … “excellent”
If I only had a nickle for every typo !!!!
@Michelle Gartner
Hi Michelle, it sure is a sad situation. I can’t imagine what those parents must be going through.
@Speedcat Hollydale
Personally, I’m frustrated with the appearance that nothing seems to be done to address the issue. If nothing gets done, then the issue will just spread like a disease.
No worries Speedy, I took your comments as comments of ‘concern’
@Debo Hobo
I agree with Speedy, excellent points Debo! There are all kinds of gangs everywhere. I’m sure there are some we can fight and others that we can not. For the ones we can’t fight, you’re right we are the victims.
We might as well stay home and barricade our doors and windows, but that wouldn’t be very street smart.
I’m sure there are ways to still be safe out there whether we schedule our chores, avoid questionable neighborhoods, or wear bullet proof vests.
Of course these things won’t help me when people are passing out bad peanut butter or faulty tires. We might have to resort just plain ole praying each time we leave our doors.
@Rolando
hahahaahahahahah
meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..If Only There Had Been A ‘Warning Label’ Printed On The Bottle
You never know, you could stub your toe and fall down the stairs lol.