It's funny because as I have matured over the past 5-7 years I have become very much a pacifist. Granted I'm only 23, but it is my opinion that violence begets more violence. I have been lucky enough not to worry about getting cracked in the head from a kid's fist or baton, but in a blue-collar community like mine, its always an option. There are a lot of kids in my town and in the neighboring communities who do really, really stupid things for the thrill of it all. Having worked at the local YMCA and a high school over the past year has shown me that in spades. As others have said, if I encounter a situation that may put me in danger, I would much rather avoid it.

That is my personal preference, and compared to places like Nawlins, I live in a very safe community, so my views have their own perspective as well.