Here is an interesting photo from the archives at Southern Miss.
It is a "Nonviolent self-defense" technique that was taught in Ohio in the mid 1960's. Who here can remember the standard procedure for protecting against a tornado in public schools? Now, there may be something to be said for this tactic when there is absolutely no other option (i.e. against a tornado), but the inane attitude that underlies the teaching of this as self-defense against people is kinda disturbing to me. How long do you think this woman would be able to steel herself while these two guys pound her?
There are other nonviolent options besides total passivity. Aargh! How about a quick few: don't get in that situation in the first place, run to safety, hide, stay more than arm's length from him, move out of his way, get behind him, shout for help, move with him to limit his damage potential, keep your feet under you, don't stand still...
How about this one: assert the natural law that an attacker does not have the right to kick the hell out of you while you do nothing!
Great picture, that was a nice find.
ReplyDeleteThat fetal guard [I'm trademarking that!] might have some validity in the context of civil rights marches, though. What do you do if you're there to be heard (so you can't run) and it's the local police who are the ones pounding you? Or a hostile mob?
I'm not saying I agree with the premise that non-violence is the way to go, but within that context, curling up into a ball may be a valid way to de-escalate the situation.
When you are making a political statement, that kind of martyrdom may not even be unwelcome.
Yeah, I'd considered that what I call self defense is likely not what they are talking about. They are talking about how to make yourself a little more resistant to being beaten to death.
ReplyDeleteBut there is a difference between martyrdom and self-defense. Maybe this picture should have been labeled 'Martyrdom: How To' instead of 'Non-Violent Self-Defense'