Target on His Head
Originally uploaded by zoom in tight Recently I attended a self defense for women workshop. I have been feeling particularly vulnerable lately due to the fact that I can no longer hear people walking up behind me. I wanted to learn what to do if I were taken by surprise by someone with an intent to harm.
The most important lesson I learned was to establish the mental attitude that "NO, this is not going to happen to me!" when faced with danger. You have to be ready to fight and prepared to fight hard and fast and smart. Never follow an attacker's directions to go to another location. Instead turn the table on him and give him more than he bargained for!
My instructor emphasized the importance of preventing oneself from being targeted in the first place. Her words got me thinking about the safety factor in letting others know of my hearing loss through wearing buttons, T-shirts, stickers, etc. Acting on the suggestion of fellow blogger Danielle I purchased some stickers which my doctors can use to attach to my charts so they are reminded of my hearing loss when I come to their offices. That product really appealed to me.
But some of the other products I found online made me uncomfortable. There were T-shirts meant for those who walk in public parks that said on the back of the shirt the wearer would be unable to hear someone behind him. Yikes! Is that necessary? With so many people wearing ipods these days, I don't see why one would expect to get someone's attention from a distance. I also saw car window decals which seemed particularly risky to me as many attacks against women take place in parking lots. The decal seemed like it might make the car owner more of a target.
What is your opinion on and/or experience with these kinds of products? Is personal safety a factor in your decision to purchase items that announce your hearing loss to the world?
In my next post, I'll share an alternative option that I feel safely addresses communication needs with grace and humor.
