The world is changing faster than ever, when we consider that Facebook started in 2004, the iPhone came out in 2007 and then TikTok took the game of user attention up a level in 2016. Do you remember what the world was like before social media or the iPhone? How fast will the world change now that we have AI that is capable of passing a bar exam?
It’s interesting to think about change, the past and the future, and whether the world is a better place as a result. Mainstream and social media show us a more dangerous world, with increasing levels of violence and crime. Parents are far less willing to let their children out of the house, despite knowing that we all should spend time outdoors more often.
Is it more dangerous out there? If so, what can we do about it? Survivors and thrivers in all areas of life are those who approach life head on. They don’t hide from aversity, but they also do not approach it recklessly. It’s a good habit to always think: what can I do about it? Be solution oriented.
How can we reduce fear and anxiety about thew world we see on our screens? How can we be prepared, for the possible eventuality that we find ourselves in any kind of danger? For me, the answer is undoubtedly a combination of CRP and first aid training, and self defense.
Many cities in the US have started to get a reputation for increasing crime levels. It can be hard to figure out exactly what’s happening on the ground, though, due to the mainstream and social media seemingly highlighting issues more than ever. Official stats can be surprising. For example, crime has dropped significantly in San Fransisco since the early 90s. It is still well below many similar populous cities.
Some cities have seen an alarming increase in street violence and public unrest in recent years, as reported by local law enforcement agencies. The perceived risk depends on where you live and how much social media you consume! In addition to violent crime, city dwellers have also perceived increased pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
When the stats back up perceptions, the reasons behind the increased violence and accidents are complex and multifaceted. However, experts believe that a combination of factors, including economic inequality, substance abuse, and mental health issues, contribute to the problem.
In light of these risks, individuals must take sensible precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Learning CPR and basic first aid can be valuable in an accident or emergency. Knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death in a critical situation. CPR certification in San Fransisco and other large cities is freely available.
One way to do this is to invest in self-defense training, such as martial arts or Krav Maga. These skills can help individuals defend themselves in the event of an attack and increase their confidence in dangerous situations. We are based in the Bay Area, and there are plenty of locations for places to learn how to defend yourself.
The most suitable types of self-defense for urban situations are easy to learn and apply in real-world scenarios. Here are some options:
Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a self-defense system that you feel comfortable with, and that works for you. Regular practice and training are essential to mastering any self-defense system, so finding a class or instructor you can work well with is crucial. Remember that the best defense is always to avoid dangerous situations whenever possible, so stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
We are based in the San Francisco Bay Area, so this is written with that lens. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant and protect themselves in the face of increased street violence and public unrest. This is likely to be even more important in cities with higher crime rates, but trouble (or accidents) can happen in the quietest places, so be prepared.