free excerpt - The Book Locker

Chapter 2: Sidewalk Behavior
It is easy to spot individuals that are comfortable in the city. They
exude a casual, business-as-usual presence. Some may dart and weave
their way through the crowd, trying to make time, while others
casually stroll along, unaffected by the enveloping hustle. Unwavering
hard-core city people walk with their gaze fixed straight ahead, their
eyes locked and motionless — like taillights on a midnight train. They
may glance sideways to check for oncoming traffic but because they
know the terrain, they rarely pay attention to landmarks. In focusing to
get from one place to another, people moving with purpose
demonstrate that they have no time for nonsense. Silently, their actions
tell others to leave them alone. Because confident people are not
absorbed in their immediate travel, many have the mental capacity to
deal with whatever circumstance may come their way. A reservoir of
defense.
However, image only goes so far. It may save somebody from being
targeted for petty street crime but being able to manage precarious
situations only comes with preparation, coaching, experience, the right
tools, and most of all, a fearless demeanor to escape, stare down, beat
back, or break whatever is threatening you. Day-trippers need to learn
what street-savvy individuals already know. A key to avoiding trouble
is perception. You want to be perceived as dangerous prey. You do not
want to be looked at as a “given.” Goons and street thugs want an easy
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