Originally Posted by
gsteinb
[unpopular view point]
In general if guys walk away altercations are avoided. If we look back to the incident in CA with the doctor the cyclists were totally right, the doctor was nuts, and still they got hurt because they felt the need to flip the guy off. The director's point is you can be 100% in the right and it doesn't really matter if you end up getting hurt proving how right you are. Slip your ego into your back pocket and go home to your family.
I wasn't there, I don't know any one involved, but I find it impossible to believe that this wasn't avoidable no matter how unstable the assailant was.
[/unpopular view point]
I avoid confrontation by waving a happy "Hi howyadoin" after the asshats beep at me.
I apply the
Deterrence Theory as well by displaying my can of PEPPER SPRAY on my handlebars which I quickly grab and hold, without saying a word when I feel threatened. Often I will also have my cell phone open in the other hand. Other devices may work equally as well.
Deterrence Theory from Wiki
Deterrence theory is a military strategy developed during the Cold War. It is especially relevant with regard to the use of nuclear weapons, and figures prominently in current United States foreign policy regarding the development of nuclear technology in North Korea and Iran.[1]
The term is also used more casually to
a party in any field of potential conflict of being prepared to inflict unacceptable damage on an aggressor, and making sure the potential aggressor is aware of the risk so that they may refrain from aggression. Establishing a credible and known deterrence is at the opposite end of the spectrum from a policy of appeasement.