Sidewalk rage?

[geecee]

So I'm walking to work this morning as I usually do (good exercise and subways are crowded and only save me 10 min), and some guy walks by me really fast and hits me with his bag. No big deal right? I'm used to getting jostled in NYC all the time, with no apology, so whatever, I barely notice since I have my iPod on and it's a beautiful day. But the guy slows down to a really languid pace in front of me so I move to his right to pass him. There are other people around also so I have to squeeze by him but again nothing out of the ordinary, in fact, I'm fairly certain I didn't actually touch him. As I'm going by him, he sticks his foot out and tries to trip me. Of course, my first reaction is "WTF, dude"? Apparently, that set him off. He starts screaming at me that I had cut him off half a block back and now I was trying to do it again. Now, in his defense, I may have cut him off previously, I don't really know, as I do often move to one side to pass slower walking people, but I'm usually fairly careful not to do it so as to crash into anyone (or cause anyone to nearly crash into me). But maybe my "margin for error" is less than he would've liked. So the "conversation" proceeds something like this:

Me: Look man, I have no idea what you're talking about. In fact, I barely noticed you until you just tried to trip me.
Enraged man: You were just about to cut me off again! You're not going to just get away with that.
Me: Dude, I have no idea what your problem is.
Enraged man: Forget it! I'm done talking to you. Just get lost.
Me: Dude, see a psychiatrist about those issues.
Enraged man: I'm not talking to you anymore.
Me: OK.

And so I walked off. What was bizarre was this guy apparently had almost the same path to whereever he was going, as I did on my way to work. So there were a few more stoplights over the next ten minutes or so, where he was standing 3-4 feet away, still glaring at me. Bizarre. He also didn't really look like anyone who would just lose it like that. Just some average Joe who I could picture being at his son's little league game or something. Weird. I'm really not sure what to make of it.

 

[DBL]

Being from the City, I can relate. You really can't spend much time trying to figure these things out. Just chalk it up to another crazy New Yorker. There is certainly no shortage. You handled it well however. A lot of people would not take almost getting tripped on purpose by a complete stranger with that much restraint.

 

[DaShen]

Originally posted by: geecee
So I'm walking to work this morning as I usually do (good exercise and subways are crowded and only save me 10 min), and some guy walks by me really fast and hits me with his bag. No big deal right? I'm used to getting jostled in NYC all the time, with no apology, so whatever, I barely notice since I have my iPod on and it's a beautiful day. But the guy slows down to a really languid pace in front of me so I move to his right to pass him. There are other people around also so I have to squeeze by him but again nothing out of the ordinary, in fact, I'm fairly certain I didn't actually touch him. As I'm going by him, he sticks his foot out and tries to trip me. Of course, my first reaction is "WTF, dude"? Apparently, that set him off. He starts screaming at me that I had cut him off half a block back and now I was trying to do it again. Now, in his defense, I may have cut him off previously, I don't really know, as I do often move to one side to pass slower walking people, but I'm usually fairly careful not to do it so as to crash into anyone (or cause anyone to nearly crash into me). But maybe my "margin for error" is less than he would've liked. So the "conversation" proceeds something like this:

Me: Look man, I have no idea what you're talking about. In fact, I barely noticed you until you just tried to trip me.
Enraged man: You were just about to cut me off again! You're not going to just get away with that.
Me: Dude, I have no idea what your problem is.
Enraged man: Forget it! I'm done talking to you. Just get lost.
Me: Dude, see a psychiatrist about those issues.
Enraged man: I'm not talking to you anymore.
Me: OK.

And so I walked off. What was bizarre was this guy apparently had almost the same path to whereever he was going, as I did on my way to work. So there were a few more stoplights over the next ten minutes or so, where he was standing 3-4 feet away, still glaring at me. Bizarre. He also didn't really look like anyone who would just lose it like that. Just some average Joe who I could picture being at his son's little league game or something. Weird. I'm really not sure what to make of it.

Someone should beat the crap out of that guy. Some people are total asshats and deserved to be left on a deserted island to fend for themselves.

You should have said, "I'm an ex-marine, and I have killed men for less. Hoo-raaah" j/k of course.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Good story. Dude probably just wanted to talk to someone. But no need to be a pos about. Keep some gum handy and suggest that he have some. Otherwise, hone your fighting skills tonight, your going to need 'em.

 

[Ime]

He was trying to distract you so his buddy could steal your IPod.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: Ime
He was trying to distract you so his buddy could steal your IPod.

Too bad NY in its wisdom disarmed its law abiding populace.

 

[DotheDamnTHing]

Originally posted by: DaShen


You should have said, "I'm an ex-marine, and I have killed men for less. Hoo-raaah" .

:thumbsup:

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat

Originally posted by: Ime
He was trying to distract you so his buddy could steal your IPod.

Too bad NY in its wisdom disarmed its law abiding populace.

Just what NYC needs. 8 million New Yorkers strapped. How could we guess you were from Texas? NYC enjoys the lowest crime rate in decades. You can keep you guns.

 

[mflacy]

Originally posted by: DBL

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat

Originally posted by: Ime
He was trying to distract you so his buddy could steal your IPod.

Too bad NY in its wisdom disarmed its law abiding populace.

Just what NYC needs. 8 million New Yorkers strapped. How could we guess you were from Texas? NYC enjoys the lowest crime rate in decades. You can keep you guns.

LOL, I love how approval of some sort of concealed carry law would automatically inspire 8 million people to run out and get a permit to carry firearms. That's some moronic bullsh!t.

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: mflacy
LOL, I love how approval of some sort of concealed carry law would automatically inspire 8 million people to run out and get a permit to carry firearms. That's some moronic bullsh!t.

Actually, that would be great. 8 million people who actually understand how to safely handle a firearm.

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: mflacy

Originally posted by: DBL
Just what NYC needs. 8 million New Yorkers strapped. How could we guess you were from Texas? NYC enjoys the lowest crime rate in decades. You can keep you guns.

LOL, I love how approval of some sort of concealed carry law would automatically inspire 8 million people to run out and get a permit to carry firearms. That's some moronic bullsh!t.

Talk about taking things a bit too literally. Do you think I seriously meant that Mothers and their 1 month old toddlers would be packing? Use your brain.

NYC does have concealed carry permits. The difference being, that you must demonstrate an actual need in order to be approved. Makes sense to me.

There are plenty of threads regarding gun laws. This will be my last comment regarding the issue.

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: mflacy
LOL, I love how approval of some sort of concealed carry law would automatically inspire 8 million people to run out and get a permit to carry firearms. That's some moronic bullsh!t.

Actually, that would be great. 8 million people who actually understand how to safely handle a firearm.

like our Vice President...for example?

 

[Amused]

This is one of the upsides of working out and putting on some size.

No one ever talks to me like that anymore or tries the road rage game with me. I notice people on the road and in other situations who start out with the intent to rage at me, until they see me, and they quickly look away. It's was hillarious at first, but now I hardly notice it anymore unless it's pointed out to me by other people I'm with.

And no, I do not go through life being rude to people or being a bully. Quite the opposite. I live my life according to the golden rule because, quite frankly, it is my belief that a society can not sustain itself unless people treat each other as they would wish to be treated.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: DBL

Originally posted by: mflacy

Originally posted by: DBL
Just what NYC needs. 8 million New Yorkers strapped. How could we guess you were from Texas? NYC enjoys the lowest crime rate in decades. You can keep you guns.

LOL, I love how approval of some sort of concealed carry law would automatically inspire 8 million people to run out and get a permit to carry firearms. That's some moronic bullsh!t.

Talk about taking things a bit too literally. Do you think I seriously meant that Mothers and their 1 month old toddlers would be packing? Use your brain.

NYC does have concealed carry permits. The difference being, that you must demonstrate an actual need in order to be approved. Makes sense to me.

There are plenty of threads regarding gun laws. This will be my last comment regarding the issue.

Ill bust a cap if you coment on this issue again.

BTW - How will know when youll need one until you need one? Everyone needs one so nobody needs them. The perception alone keeps feet out of my path. If I had a nickle for evey ex-yankee that I know that moved to Texas, I could buy Trump Tower and fill it with nickles.

 

[jumpr]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat

Originally posted by: Ime
He was trying to distract you so his buddy could steal your IPod.

Too bad NY in its wisdom disarmed its law abiding populace.

You'd shoot someone for stealing your iPod?! :Q

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: geecee
So I'm walking to work this morning as I usually do (good exercise and subways are crowded and only save me 10 min), and some guy walks by me really fast and hits me with his bag. No big deal right? I'm used to getting jostled in NYC all the time, with no apology, so whatever, I barely notice since I have my iPod on and it's a beautiful day. But the guy slows down to a really languid pace in front of me so I move to his right to pass him. There are other people around also so I have to squeeze by him but again nothing out of the ordinary, in fact, I'm fairly certain I didn't actually touch him. As I'm going by him, he sticks his foot out and tries to trip me. Of course, my first reaction is "WTF, dude"? Apparently, that set him off. He starts screaming at me that I had cut him off half a block back and now I was trying to do it again. Now, in his defense, I may have cut him off previously, I don't really know, as I do often move to one side to pass slower walking people, but I'm usually fairly careful not to do it so as to crash into anyone (or cause anyone to nearly crash into me). But maybe my "margin for error" is less than he would've liked. So the "conversation" proceeds something like this:

Me: Look man, I have no idea what you're talking about. In fact, I barely noticed you until you just tried to trip me.
Enraged man: You were just about to cut me off again! You're not going to just get away with that.
Me: Dude, I have no idea what your problem is.
Enraged man: Forget it! I'm done talking to you. Just get lost.
Me: Dude, see a psychiatrist about those issues.
Enraged man: I'm not talking to you anymore.
Me: OK.

And so I walked off. What was bizarre was this guy apparently had almost the same path to whereever he was going, as I did on my way to work. So there were a few more stoplights over the next ten minutes or so, where he was standing 3-4 feet away, still glaring at me. Bizarre. He also didn't really look like anyone who would just lose it like that. Just some average Joe who I could picture being at his son's little league game or something. Weird. I'm really not sure what to make of it.

i wouldn't even of had a conversation with the whacko. he might have had a knife or something. :shocked:

 

[DaShen]

Originally posted by: Amused
This is one of the upsides of working out and putting on some size.

No one ever talks to me like that anymore or tries the road rage game with me. I notice people on the road and in other situations who start out with the intent to rage at me, until they see me, and they quickly look away. It's was hillarious at first, but now I hardly notice it anymore unless it's pointed out to me by other people I'm with.

And no, I do not go through life being rude to people or being a bully. Quite the opposite. I live my life according to the golden rule because, quite frankly, it is my belief that a society can not sustain itself unless people treat each other as they would wish to be treated.

Pretty true.

Because I am a decently strong guy, most people won't mess with me. But I have a innocent look to me (that is what my girl friends say), so people still approach me and talk.

I find that most people who are big for their size and don't have self esteem issues tend to be some of the most gentle people. I think it spurs from not being messed with much because they are big, and also knowing that they could do damage if they did lose their cool. I do know some people who are big and strong who are complete jackasses though (2-3 come to mind / I say 2-3 because one of them is actually cool, just too young and too short a fuse right now) The other 2 bully people around, trying to use their foreboding size to their advantage. They steer clear of me though because I don't let them mess with me.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: jumpr

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat

Originally posted by: Ime
He was trying to distract you so his buddy could steal your IPod.

Too bad NY in its wisdom disarmed its law abiding populace.

You'd shoot someone for stealing your iPod?! :Q

I would not. I had to make that decision once alreadly in the middle of the night when I thought someone was breaking into my car. I decided to investigate what turned out to be a false alarm about 11 years ago. As I was getting dressed, full of adrenalin, I thought to myself that they would be given the chance to leave, but if they fired at me, thats a different story. Now if anyone had broke into the house, they would have been shot, no questions asked.

 

[Baked]

Should've bash his head in w/ your iPod and choke him w/ your headphone cords.

 

[sourceninja]

Originally posted by: DBL

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat

Originally posted by: Ime
He was trying to distract you so his buddy could steal your IPod.

Too bad NY in its wisdom disarmed its law abiding populace.

Just what NYC needs. 8 million New Yorkers strapped. How could we guess you were from Texas? NYC enjoys the lowest crime rate in decades. You can keep you guns.

Just because its illegal to carry a gun doesn't mean i'm not wearing one.

Wait..I mean doesn't mean somebody who is not me is not armed.

 

[myusername]

Originally posted by: Ime
He was trying to distract you so his buddy could steal your IPod.

Word.
First thing you do when you get jostled in public is to casually reach your hand down to check your wallet.