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James Duncan Davis' description of assault at TED2009 is harrowing, because it could have ended much worse and because it wasn't associated with a particularly

James Duncan Davis' description of assault at TED2009 is harrowing, because it could have ended much worse and because it wasn't associated with a particularly risky behavior on his part. One single person rabid enough about getting into TED that he would manhandle and persist in trying to get Davis' TED badge despite vigorous struggle and loud screaming... also makes you aware Davis was at much greater risk if it had been two assailants or a knife/gun weilding one. Really a shame that common strategies such as walking in groups after dark (always urged at LA conferences I've been to) are important in Long Beach and at "A place where great thinkers and optimists gather." Sure glad his person, wallet & photog gear as well as his TED badge ended up safe. Not pleased that the crazed attacker was not apprehended and may not have learned a lesson from his unsuccessful attack.

silencio 18y ago
>Really a shame that common strategies... are important in Long Beach Long Beach is only a short half-hour drive from downtown LA, and I can't imagine that advice is any different anywhere else. Of course, I'm overly sensitive to this because I'm female and young and everyone around me has hammered in that whole rape scenario before...but that is good advice no matter what. > ...and at "A place where great thinkers and optimists gather." Well, you'd never encounter these assaults at most conferences...too many people in too tight of a space. But I can see someone mugging for a TED badge for the access it could provide. Or any other conference, outside of wherever the conference is located. Let me just finish off with the idea that people should be taking off badges as they exit a conference as well, even if it's only for a short lunch or something. Sometimes I get lazy or convinced I'm going to lose it, but I've come across the realization that lots of people around me treat me differently, or could find out more information about me than I care to let know if I leave the badge on, even partially hidden under a jacket.

silencio 18y ago

>Really a shame that common strategies... are important in Long Beach Long Beach is only a short half-hour drive from downtown LA, and I can't imagine that advice is any different anywhere else. Of course, I'm overly sensitive to this because I'm female and young and everyone around me has hammered in that whole rape scenario before...but that is good advice no matter what. > ...and at "A place where great thinkers and optimists gather." Well, you'd never encounter these assaults at most conferences...too many people in too tight of a space. But I can see someone mugging for a TED badge for the access it could provide. Or any other conference, outside of wherever the conference is located. Let me just finish off with the idea that people should be taking off badges as they exit a conference as well, even if it's only for a short lunch or something. Sometimes I get lazy or convinced I'm going to lose it, but I've come across the realization that lots of people around me treat me differently, or could find out more information about me than I care to let know if I leave the badge on, even partially hidden under a jacket.