How to Look Scary in a Rough Neighborhood

Sometimes it is the illusion of strength that can get you out of a tight spot. Looking scary in a rough neighborhood may save you a lot of unwanted attention and keep you safe. If you look scarier than potential perpetrators, chances are people will leave you alone.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider wearing a hooded sweatshirt or hooded coat with the hood pulled over your head. When people can't really see your face, they are more wary of approaching you. With your hood up and your head down, you become an unknown quantity on the streets.

2. Look people in the eye if they approach you. Looking away is always viewed as a sign of weakness. Feeling safe is a matter of displaying confidence.

3. Talk to yourself as you walk. When people think that you are mentally unstable, they have a tendency to leave you alone. This may sound silly, but making people nervous before you allow them to make you nervous is a valuable weapon when you have no other defense.

4. Walk confidently and determinedly without smiling. Walk tall with your shoulders back and chest out, exuding confidence that you may not feel. Even if you are lost, look and walk like you know where you are and where you are going. Confidence is the most intimidating thing that you possess under these circumstances.

[explainitplease]

on 10/27/2009 This is hilariously funny.

[anakahashi]

on 10/18/2009 I really just recommend turning around the minute you realize you're where you really shouldn't be. The hoodie thing does work to some extent but it makes you look shady no matter where you are.

[musicappreciate]

on 10/13/2009 That's right. We bad.

[anthropods]

on 10/5/2009 Rough neibourhoods don't just show up out of thin air, you have to drive or walk into them so whichever way it was, simple turn around immediately and walk away the same way you cam in until you recognize the area to be safe again. If you feel like someone is looking at you just take a glance at your watch pretend you just remembered something you forgot and need to go back and get it. Since you looked at your watch first this may suggest you may be short of tiem so it would be normal if you you can picked-up your pace a little.

Forget the "Hood", the "Walk proud" or the "what's up" gigs which will probably get you in trouble anyways and get out of there fast!!

[reapersboy]

on 9/20/2009 If your going through a rough neighborhood best to go with friends. Thats the safest thing and dont talk to anyone that comes to you just say Whats up then keep walking