I Wanna Hold Your Hand

Had a guy one-up this in the crowd during a NASCAR race where I was volunteering. Young kids, maybe 20-25, all with their shirts over their shoulders - it was a hot day. As they walk past, I'm aware of them, but they're smoking and joking, not paying anyone any mind. I hate crowds and I'm a bit on edge, but not worried about these kids at all. They just look like they're having a good time.

Then one suddenly leans over and grabs at me with both arms - later, I think he was trying to hug me... wierd. I ducked out of the move and pushed his arms aside thinking he was going after me, and am ready to go but fully expecting to get pummelled by the group. Jackie Chan I am not. He sort of rubs my hair briefly as I duck under one arm and behind him, then looks over his shoulder, smiles briefly (not an evil or malicious smile, a genuine, "Hey bud, hope you like the race" type of smile - double wierd), and keeps going on, laughing with his buds (a couple turn to look, but that's it). I watched till they were out of sight and didn't see them doing that to anyone else, and still don't get it. Pretty sure it was some sort of dare, and harmless, but I can see someone with a hot temper running him down afterwards.

I guess I should search to see if I'm on a Youtube prank video somewhere.

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Originally Posted by Yoda

I don't see how this qualifies to be under the carry and defensive scenario subforum. It appears to be an experiment of sorts and the actors behave as if it was accidental. There actions are nothing like someone trying to assault or attack but like an accidental brushing. It could perhaps be viewed as a distraction for a pick pocket but come on.

It hope it would take a lot more for any of us to treat something like is shown in those videos as an assault/attack. Although it looks like an interesting way to meet someone.. "oh excuse me, may name is yoda, do you come here often? whats your sign?"

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I guess in the world of flash-mobs and other strange occurrences, I can see folks being a bit more high-strung than in the past. What is depicted in the Youtube I attached hereto is fairly tame, but if someone comes up from behing and begins to grab/hold your hand, you do have to assess the situation pretty quickly. For those of us how carry, you have to keep the dragon in its cave until otherwise warranted. You also have to evaluate whether this is a precursor to a gun grab or other felony action against you.

In the case at hand, it was just a goofball and breaking free, gaining some distance from him and possibly having a word or two are all that are justified. However, unless you have eyes in the back of your head, you really don't know what is up until you assess the situation.

I see this section as a "what do you do if ... and you are carrying" area. I think it is a scenario that is worth consideration as such. In the video, we are seeing it all from the front and have a perspective on what is going on. If you were in such a situation in the real world, you would have a different perspective.

These adolescent minded pranksters running around with their video camera rolling for a funny you tube clip is going to end in something bad happening one of these days. Playing a prank on a close friend is one thing, playing a prank on a complete stranger is something else altogether. I, for one, fail to see the humor in it and they may get alot more than the childish belly laughs they are looking for.

I would have probably just stopped and eyed him before he tried to touch me for being too close.

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Originally Posted by Inspector71

That video is disgusting! If a stranger did that to me while I'm walking and minding my own business, he's just earned himself a fist to his chops. Not the politically correct response no doubt, but the question was what would I do.

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Myself and most of my friends would have the same reaction, you grab at me I will assume your actions are not benign.

I don't see this as a incident that would make me fear for my life and draw down on this kid, but he would KNOW not to do that. I don't see it as being a assault, but I see it as being incredibly rude. That doesn't deserve a weapon....but a sharp look or word. "Don't touch me stranger." If that doesn't work...I will reevaluate and my cane may come into play.

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Originally Posted by Spirit51

I don't see this as a incident that would make me fear for my life and draw down on this kid, but he would KNOW not to do that. I don't see it as being a assault, but I see it as being incredibly rude. That doesn't deserve a weapon....but a sharp look or word. "Don't touch me stranger." If that doesn't work...I will reevaluate and my cane may come into play.

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Touch me again stranger and I'll smack you so hard you'll have to roll down your socks to poop!! I might even chuckle a little myself at a video of that :image035:

This all could have been avoided by open carrying.

....say....your place or mine?

actually they did it nicely
as in they used a long arm and not a close body
SA aside id of not felt threatened

id have noticed the dude ahead with the camera so perhaps
the hand would not have been a suprise
but i walk with my hands close to my body so i think they would have
given me a pass anyways.

how is it that so many are taken aback by this?
had it been done in a different location...real crowded or dark and
sparsly crowded--totally different perception.

this was more a ramdom act of cutness
they picked or edited it for receptive people

Didn't I see one girl who's reaction was not to pull away, but a friendly, "Hi"? Looks like a missed opportunity for him.

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Originally Posted by Hoganbeg

Didn't I see one girl who's reaction was not to pull away, but a friendly, "Hi"? Looks like a missed opportunity for him.

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I saw that too. She had a big smile and said "HI!" . If I wasn't mistaken, I also thought I spotted a guy who rolled with it at least for a few seconds.

I would probable just pull away and move along, no need to talk or confront him if thats all that happened, IMHO.

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Originally Posted by NC Bullseye

This all could have been avoided by open carrying.

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:rofl::rofl:

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Originally Posted by NC Bullseye

This all could have been avoided by open carrying.

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Funny and probable true,...but it almost looked like the hall of a campus, which would probable not fair to great for OC:nono:

That would depend on what she looked like! :image035:

I would probably give him a little kiss on the cheek and ask him if he wanted a bite of my Snickers bar.
Either that or possibly punch him in the solar plexus and then crush his windpipe depending on how I was feeling that day. :rofl: