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I'm talking about clubs/nightlife specifically. And yes it's pure speculation. But I've always wondered - surely it must cross your mind, "is that aggressive dr

I'm talking about clubs/nightlife specifically. And yes it's pure speculation. But I've always wondered - surely it must cross your mind, "is that aggressive drunk wannabe tough-guy packing heat? What if he loses control?" Genuinely curious as I have no reference point.

mitchty 13y ago
To be honest it never has for me. If I see an aggressive person the first thing I do is assess my exit strategy in general. It is the first thing I learnt from my sifu(s) in kung fu, best to remove yourself from potential danger than risk any altercation. That said, I can't recall any time I felt weird at any clubs/etc either, but depending on the crowds I could see where you might be more alert in certain circumstances. I just don't think that's any different than anywhere though. Maybe its because I grew up around the idea of more ubiquitous guns that the idea doesn't scare me, or I''m crazy, probably both. :) Eh, cheers mate, if you're ever in the twin cities ill buy a round.
mturmon 13y ago
I generally agree with the other commenter here (who says he never worries about guns), but I thought it worth adding that the atmosphere can vary depending on the club. It's unusual, but not unheard of, to go through a metal detector (wand) at concerts and some clubs (say, a medium-size venue with space for ~500 and up -- much more unusual at a small club with space for 200, say). Why is there a metal detector? To keep guns and knives out. So, there can be caution and fear around guns in clubs. I don't think the fear is about just guns. I think it's about all manifestations of violence (knives and beat-downs too). Two examples that come to mind are the fan who was attacked at the LA Dodgers game (just a beating) and ended up handicapped, and three hipsters who got shot outside a small but influential indie club in LA (http://www.laweekly.com/2011-01-06/news/mongols-and-hells-angels-invade-hiptown/ http://www.laweekly.com/2011-01-06/news/mongols-and-hells-an...). Teaser quote from that last link, which is worth reading: "It seemed so cheesy, I thought it was a joke," says the guitarist, 30, whom we'll call Brad; he's a witness in the gunman's trial and fears for his life. "When he started shooting, I just stood there staring at him. I couldn't believe anyone would fire a gun into a crowd of nerdy indie-rock kids." It has to be emphasized that the above story was a "story" because it was so weird (I've been to that club, and it really is a classic indie rock skinny hipster hangout).

mitchty 13y ago

To be honest it never has for me. If I see an aggressive person the first thing I do is assess my exit strategy in general. It is the first thing I learnt from my sifu(s) in kung fu, best to remove yourself from potential danger than risk any altercation. That said, I can't recall any time I felt weird at any clubs/etc either, but depending on the crowds I could see where you might be more alert in certain circumstances. I just don't think that's any different than anywhere though. Maybe its because I grew up around the idea of more ubiquitous guns that the idea doesn't scare me, or I''m crazy, probably both. :) Eh, cheers mate, if you're ever in the twin cities ill buy a round.

mturmon 13y ago

I generally agree with the other commenter here (who says he never worries about guns), but I thought it worth adding that the atmosphere can vary depending on the club. It's unusual, but not unheard of, to go through a metal detector (wand) at concerts and some clubs (say, a medium-size venue with space for ~500 and up -- much more unusual at a small club with space for 200, say). Why is there a metal detector? To keep guns and knives out. So, there can be caution and fear around guns in clubs. I don't think the fear is about just guns. I think it's about all manifestations of violence (knives and beat-downs too). Two examples that come to mind are the fan who was attacked at the LA Dodgers game (just a beating) and ended up handicapped, and three hipsters who got shot outside a small but influential indie club in LA (http://www.laweekly.com/2011-01-06/news/mongols-and-hells-angels-invade-hiptown/ http://www.laweekly.com/2011-01-06/news/mongols-and-hells-an...). Teaser quote from that last link, which is worth reading: "It seemed so cheesy, I thought it was a joke," says the guitarist, 30, whom we'll call Brad; he's a witness in the gunman's trial and fears for his life. "When he started shooting, I just stood there staring at him. I couldn't believe anyone would fire a gun into a crowd of nerdy indie-rock kids." It has to be emphasized that the above story was a "story" because it was so weird (I've been to that club, and it really is a classic indie rock skinny hipster hangout).