It's actually warmer in northern Japan this time of year under 12' of snow than it is here in DFW. Being a motorcycle rider (and living in ski country for the last 3 years), ski masks and neck/face warmers aren't a threatening piece of apparel.
Yes, be on your toes. But don't tell me how to dress. It's COLD! ...no, it wasn't me that approached your bro
The problem is we live in Houston Texas. Nobody wears a ski mask here unless you're about to rob a convenience store. It is really all relative and depends on where you are located
I don't know what part of Houston your in that is warmer than the rest of the City but it was 25 degrees in Houston last week. When folks are accustomed to 55 degree weather...25 feels pretty darned cold. It was cold enough in Houston for a ski mask. Your presumption that nobody wears a ski mask in Houston unless they are about to rob a convenience store is just wrong. Your right...it is all relative. Houston at 25 degrees is like New York at 15 below zero. I have seen several guys wearing ski masks here in the DFW area the past few weeks. By your reasoning, our armed robbery rate must be sky rocketing.
Maybe you overstated your brothers reaction. It would be normal to notice the guy and be alert. It is NOT normal to think about pulling a weapon. It is normal to say howdy back to him and be friendly unless he starts acting strange. It is a sad day in Texas when saying howdy to a fellow Texan can cause them to draw on you. I would expect unfriendly behavior in the Northeast...not here in Texas. Things really are not as bad as all that folks. Don't let reading gun forums and the "crime" stories these forums focus on make us paranoid. The majority of people are good human beings that wouldn't hurt a fly. Again...it is good to be alert if threatened...but saying howdy is NOT a threat!!!! Just as clothing style is NOT a threat. You see a dude in a ski mask when it is summer...go ahead and flip out...he is about to roll you. Ski mask in winter/cold....just a guy staying warm.
Points taken ... you have your opinion, I have mine. Let's move on; no need to beat a dead horse.
I'm going to go with prejudices. A dear friend and preacher and I were having a discussion on the way to South America ( he happens to be African-American) the gist of the talk was this, we all have prejudices an mine ran something like I form totally different first impressions of a black man if he:
A) Is in North Dallas, wearing business casual.
B) Sitting in church.
C) On duty with me or otherwise in uniform.
OR
D) Walking around at 02:00 in Oak Cliff.
I also form opinions the same way if the person in question is Caucasian...if your skulking around Oak Cliff at 02:00, I'm going on alert.
My point being, given the <20 degree temperatures of late, I probably would not have given him a second look. But he also would have been noticed long before he was standing behind me. If the same guy went into the station, rummaged around and approached the counter without removing his mask, then...
I Thess 5:21
Disclaimer: IANAL, IANYL, IDNPOOTV, IDNSIAHIE and IANROFL
"There is no situation so bad that you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield, NASA ISS Astronaut
The OP did not "flip out". He did not say he was about to pull out a gun. He was on "high alert". Not being "on alert" is how muggers/killers get you. The OP did good.
It is because of these prejudices that many professional thugs have started to buy three piece suits and drive (stolen) luxury cars. Yes, the guy wearing the suit in the Benz with NO ski mask could kill you, rape you, and mug you. You need to set aside prejudices and be alert at ALL times.
drjoker wrote:The OP did not "flip out". He did not say he was about to pull out a gun. He was on "high alert". Not being "on alert" is how muggers/killers get you. The OP did good.
It is because of these prejudices that many professional thugs have started to buy three piece suits and drive (stolen) luxury cars. Yes, the guy wearing the suit in the Benz with NO ski mask could kill you, rape you, and mug you. You need to set aside prejudices and be alert at ALL times.
Stay safe out there,
If someone is out to get you, paranoia is just good thinking. - Johnny Fever, A.M. DJ, WKRP
I Thess 5:21
Disclaimer: IANAL, IANYL, IDNPOOTV, IDNSIAHIE and IANROFL
"There is no situation so bad that you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield, NASA ISS Astronaut
Pardon the pun but (wait for it) lets all be cool no? Most Texans are not used to guys in ski masks so, what is a normal startle response of not seeing a person would definitely ratchet up if there were a ski mask. But at this time of year especially in the more northern climes of Texas its considerably cold. After walking the doogie the last couple of days I would have loved to have a ski mask. inversely we have to remember we can't pull or theaten willy neely as its dangerous legally, morally, and physically (the scenario of CHL vs. CHl has come up before).
Again its a lesson learned for all us power of the intranets guys. If startled, maintain cool while you assess the situation.
drjoker wrote:The OP did not "flip out". He did not say he was about to pull out a gun. He was on "high alert". Not being "on alert" is how muggers/killers get you. The OP did good.
It is because of these prejudices that many professional thugs have started to buy three piece suits and drive (stolen) luxury cars. Yes, the guy wearing the suit in the Benz with NO ski mask could kill you, rape you, and mug you. You need to set aside prejudices and be alert at ALL times.
Stay safe out there,
Rayden wrote:.......Well, don't......
Today my brother (a CHL holder but not on this forum) was pumping air on the right side of his truck at a gas station when another truck pulled up on his right at an angle. By the time my brother saw the guy he was already behind him. Lord and behold the guy was wearing a ski mask . He said something like: "What's up my friend .... it's cold man ...." My brother was startled for a second or so and came close to drawing just on pure instinct. ....snip
I have agreed to make no further comments with the OP...but you probably missed this part of the original post.
Oh yeah...one more thing...I could have sworn the three piece suite was out of style. I have one from 1978 I will have to knock the dust off of....I knew if I waited long enough I could wear that thing again.
Your right about thugs wearing fancy cloths. This dude tried to snatch my wallet last night.
. He said something like: "What's up my friend .... it's cold man ....
