Some businessmen in the U.S. are now carrying their personal effects in inexpensive back- packs rather than briefcases in an effort to reduce their chances of becoming a victim. None of us, I believe, truly wish to cause conflict or violence in our world, but there are times when the actions of others force us to take drastic measures. Do not fall into the mental trap of believing that you are no longer a good person if you have decided to physically intercede in the violence of another. Turning the other cheek works great until you run out of cheeks. Some may ask where prevention ends and paranoia begins.
Human beings are still creative creatures, who can make choices and decisions for any circumstance.
If you consider these ideas of prevention as a form of training maybe they won't appear to be such an inconvenience. Even the image of combat with an opponent can take on a different meaning if you change your attitude. For Further Reading Principles of Personal Defense by Jeff Cooper. This little book gives an excellent overview of what it takes to survive violent encounters. In fact, any of Cooper's books are worth reading.