The viewer watching the view is also being watched by the view! So every viewer is also a view and every view, a viewer! ~
Back in 2022 I tackled an awareness topic, but the focus of What Do You See, Really? was primarily protecting your bubble. For example, be sure to determine whether a sketchy character is following you and always lock your car door immediately upon entry. That sort of thing. There may be a time, though, that you aren’t the only person at risk but could be the only one who notices the threat. That’s the sort of knowledge that could make a dramatic impact. Where might one learn all that?
You can start here.
Remember Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? Security ranks next to shelter and food. Perhaps that’s why I’m intrigued with books that address that topic. The first I came across was de Becker’s Gift of Fear, and it’s a good one. However, the most recent one I read is Surviving Violence: How to Prepare For, Prevent, & Respond to Threats by Nikki Burgett. She goes deeper and wider than de Becker. For example, she asks the reader to consider physical limitations. And not for health purposes. Not directly.
How strong are you? Is your agility more like Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry or in Gran Torino? What are you physically capable of achieving? Once you decide that, determine what you are mentally prepared to do. That is, if you have sufficient body strength to stop someone, could you force yourself do so by striking a weak spot–an eye, maybe? Another sensitive body part? Would you have the resolve to make it happen? And then what?
Click on the book to read early reviews via LinkedIn.
Read the room. Watch for clues.
Nope. I’m not talking about deciding what topics your audience wants to hear–or avoid. Look at the room itself, the layout. The way this post started, you may have assumed I was referring to an active shooter situation. But what else might create chaos? How about a car accidentally driving through the front of a building, or the building you’re in is on fire, or there’s an earthquake? If you need help thinking of the worst thing that might happen, ask an insurance underwriter. That’s their stock in trade.
Anyway, when the apocalypse hits, how will you get to safety? Where are the exits? Or stairwells? If you’re in the middle of a large crowd, will you get mown over if panic ensues? The Station Nightclub fire in 2003 is an example of that nightmare. The show included pyrotechnics, always a fan favorite. Except that night where the ceiling foam was ignited in an over-packed venue. One hundred people died, many of them because they couldn’t find their way out.
Of course, sometimes it is about the people. What, or who, doesn’t fit? Hard to tell sometimes, I know, but consider context. Is anyone overdressed/underdressed relative to the purpose of the gathering? Do you see an attendee who is paying more attention to the crowd than the speaker? Spotting anomalies can be critical, and if you’re thinking it might not be easy, you’re correct. Some people make unorthodox fashion choices and others simply have a hard time focusing. But if you are attentive to your surroundings, you will have the best possible opportunity to take action when needed. Flee, hide, fight, whatever. Note that whatever includes relaying information to people with authority and tools you may not possess. It’s the “see something, say something” advice. So you might be mistaken, then embarrassed? It’s a better alternative than ignoring something that could have lethal consequences.
But wait, there's more.
Let’s say you survive some sort of catastrophic event; the threat has been neutralized. Perhaps your injuries are superficial. Maybe they aren’t. Assume further that you need to attend to the worst of your wounds and then look around to assess whether there are others who need life-saving attention. Do you have the necessary skills to do either? I’ve been to classes and I’ve read directions. It isn’t rocket science, as a rule, but it surely isn’t intuitive. What can you do? Some of you are thinking, “Not much.” I’m with you.
Any skill, whether it’s related to a musical instrument, martial arts, target shooting, or public speaking, requires practice. Otherwise, the muscle memory doesn’t develop, and when you get into a stressful situation, your body is lost. It can’t access a playbook that it hasn’t heard over and over and over. I’ll step down from my soapbox now. Back to the author.
Burgett grew up in a chaotic household and, as an adult, has had experiences with bad actors all over the world. She is no stranger to violence, and when you read her bio you will see she is well-versed in recognizing potential threats. Surviving Violence provides a myriad of real-life examples and what-ifs. I have barely scratched the surface of Burgett’s practical suggestions for avoiding dangerous situations or, worst-case scenario, self-defense. Her book is, as my Freshman English teacher used to say, “chock full” of highly digestible, useful information.
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Burgett’s style is direct and earthy. That makes for an easy and entertaining read, especially considering the topic. It also gets you to the end of the book, where she has thoughtfully included:
- A checklist of questions for self-examination and preparation and
- Recommended reading–not just the titles, but also robust descriptions. I recognize a handful as solid reads, and I would anticipate you can’t go wrong with any on the list.
Some of you primarily read fiction, as I did for most of the last 65 years. You may intentionally avoid non-fiction. Perhaps you avoid conflict for the same reason. Neither offers an escape valve. I get it. I prefer harmony, as well, when possible. But we don’t always have the luxury of choosing our circumstances.
Any of us could suffer injuries in a multi-car pile-up while driving across I-40, or down I-75. Or we could be sleeping peacefully in an Embassy Suites when a fire alarm goes off and hotel staff requires evacuation after the smoke has begun to diminish visibility. In either case, you’ll want to take action to help yourself and others. It would be good to be prepared.
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Hope is not a plan. ~ Harrison Jones
Loved Maslow because he is logical and also because it gives me an opportunity to remind you of what happened to Maslow’s dog that salivated upon hearing a bell. He ate an Avon Lady!. sorry. But on a more serious note, I have ridden close to a million miles on a motorcycle. I have had some accidents and more close calls but my anticipation of what could happen at each intersection has likely saved me.
You must be ever-vigilant or you would not have survived all your g-adventures.