“Be Clark Kent, not Superman” is something that I am always telling my students. Mindset is a big part of being a “Tier 1” citizen and the belief that we’re somehow going to affect a major change in the outcome of an attack can be very dangerous. That kind of concealed carry mindset can inadvertently force us to commit to a course of action that can make matters worse.
This is not to say that we should neglect our duty to society and tuck and run every time we see trouble coming. No, what I’m saying is that our first line of defense is awareness.
Being aware of your surroundings and doing it while hiding in plain sight is the name of the game.
Let’s say that you are minding your own business and someone comes into the restaurant where you’re eating and has ill intentions. If you’re the guy who is dressed like you’ve been hit by an airsoft catalog, you’re going to telegraph “shoot me first, please.” That killer will oblige you and you’ll just have given up the leading edge of your counter attack.
You could be Clark Kent in your mind but if you’re externally telegraphing “Superman,” you are going to stick out like a sore thumb.
The phrase “dress for success” really means something here. If you’re the guy in plain jeans and a polo shirt, you’ll look like half the dudes in the joint and the bad guy will dismiss you long before he even thinks you’re a threat. Being deadly has nothing to do with your outward appearance.
I would also contend that you stand far more of a chance in making a corrective move in an active killer if you’ve had a moment or two to identify “who” and “what” before you even draw a weapon.
The only thing the threat should see as you act is a flash of motion from the guy he thought was a nobody sitting in the corner.
