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joliverjohnson

- 3 years ago

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ASSIGNMENT: What do they say?

Most times nowadays, people are afraid of folks unknown to them and they do not know how to properly approach them when the situation may warrant. This question requires a little bit of human interaction first before you can answer. Your task is to first pick a person unknown to you and simply stare at them in a non-threatening manner until they react. This first step may take a few seconds, or it may take several, several minutes. When they see you, make a mental note of their reaction to post here afterward. Do not respond to them directly, but just keep staring. First off, who is your test subject? Do they simply ignore you, or do they attempt to engage you in conversation? If so, what do they say and what is their tone? Do they appear threatened by your constant staring, or are they simply concerned? Do they attempt physical contact before you flee? How do you get away?

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Um, no thanks, but I do smile at strangers, and strike up conversations with strangers all the time. Almost always, the reaction is positive.

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I actually had to do this and a few other tasks that seemed ridiculous at the time for a sociology class i took a few years back. When I did this, the guy I was staring at seemed uncomfortable at first. After a little bit his discomfort turned to amusement and then back to discomfort before he walked away. I saw him a couple days later at a party and we talked/laughed about it. I was living in the dorms of a small college so the outcome, I'm sure, is completely different than if I were to do this on the subway.

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Hooflungpoo, No offense taken. I realize that this assignment isn't for everyone. Your not wanting to participate is completely okay. Not wanting to cause ripples or disturb the herd is perfectly alright, as is keeping sheltered from folks who you deem to be not rational by your own standards. No harm has ever come from ignoring folks different than you, and for doing that I commend you, sir. Safety is paramount, and if strange people scare you, it's best to chase them away. If I may make a suggestion, weirdos don't like the garden hose. Just give them a little spray, and they'll get off your lawn.

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No offense, but this is a ridiculous assignment. I have enough to worry about without total strangers standing in front of my house acting weird. I have a son, and my first reaction would be to get the person away from my property as quickly as possible. What exactly is the point? To see how nervous you can make someone before they call the cops? Congratulations--you scared an old lady!! If you want to start a pleasant conversation with me like a rational person, I am more than willing. Otherwise, save the mind games for your friends.

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I am incredibly intrigued. I will do this.

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I stared at an old woman through her living room window from her front lawn. She looked at me, then left the room. Then she came back and looked at me some more, but I just kept smiling. She eventually closed the mini-blinds, but I saw her peeking through them at me. She eventually opened her door slightly (I was careful to stay a safe distance from her door, as I did not know if she might have been a lunatic or not) and she spoke to me calmly. "Hello, sir?" "Sir?" "Can I help you, sir?" She was very polite, but I was careful still. "Are you okay, sir? Can I help you with something?" She closed the door and peeked again through the blinds again. I just kept staring at her. Finally, she came back to the door. "Sir, I think you may need some help. Sir?" I very politely kept staring at her. "Sir, I called the police department and they're on their way. Maybe they can help you. I'm closing my door now, but the police should be here soon." She closed the door and I walked away at a very quick pace until I reached my car parked around the block and drove straight home to post my findings. I'd have to say that she was very cautious, but also polite. Should she have invited me in? Maybe next time.

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