‘Grey Man’ Amended

[Triple_sod]

Within the survival and preparedness community we hear a lot of talk about being the grey man, usually consisting of a long series of 'no shit Sherlock' suggestions about how not to stand out when things get interesting. Perhaps though we can get a lot more from this concept than 'what not to wear in the P.A.W'

First and foremost I disagree with this notion of 'blending with the herd', a quick look around you should be all that's needed to confirm the vast majority are a pitiful bunch. The last thing you want is to be mistaken for one of them! Simply not looking and perhaps more importantly acting like a victim will have the vast majority of people thinking twice before messing with you. We can't all be 6'6'' and built like the proverbial brick outhouse, but we can present a confident and assertive manner that comes from knowing you can handle yourself.

Another common trap I think we all fall into is to assume the treat will come from outside, roving gangs of feral 'yoofs' ect. This could well be the case, but more realistically it's going to be neighbours, even friends, in all likelihood armed not with weapons but sob stories. Concealing what you have is of course the obvious and much touted solution but much more preferable still would be for them to not turn up in the first place. After all out of sight out of mind.

Putting yourself in their shoes for a moment, who'd you try and cadge off? The chances are even as prepper the real question would be not who has what but 'who's a soft touch?'

As a 'grey man' you want to be bottom off that list.

[bulldogeagle]

how true, being the size i am and with the looks i have, (think ZZ Top ) i have a distinct disadvantage in trying to be a "grey man", i try to keep a low profile but there have been occasions when the neighbours have had "the rough edge of my tongue" so most of them know to step lightly around me i was in Wincanton one day minding my own business, walking down the street with my wife, when some woman tried to (literally) throw herself through a shop window just to get away from us...i hadn't done anything or even opened my gob! people are so strange!

[metatron]

Within the survival and preparedness community we hear a lot of talk about being the grey man, usually consisting of a long series of 'no shit Sherlock' suggestions about how not to stand out when things get interesting. Perhaps though we can get a lot more from this concept than 'what not to wear in the P.A.W'

First and foremost I disagree with this notion of 'blending with the herd', a quick look around you should be all that's needed to confirm the vast majority are a pitiful bunch. The last thing you want is to be mistaken for one of them! Simply not looking and perhaps more importantly acting like a victim will have the vast majority of people thinking twice before messing with you. We can't all be 6'6'' and built like the proverbial brick outhouse, but we can present a confident and assertive manner that comes from knowing you can handle yourself.

Another common trap I think we all fall into is to assume the treat will come from outside, roving gangs of feral 'yoofs' ect. This could well be the case, but more realistically it's going to be neighbours, even friends, in all likelihood armed not with weapons but sob stories. Concealing what you have is of course the obvious and much touted solution but much more preferable still would be for them to not turn up in the first place. After all out of sight out of mind.

Putting yourself in their shoes for a moment, who'd you try and cadge off? The chances are even as prepper the real question would be not who has what but 'who's a soft touch?'

As a 'grey man' you want to be bottom off that list.

Sadly I'm only 6"5' and built like the proverbial brick outhouse, lol. I think the riots, up and down the country showed us what the youth will do when law breaks down. I think if you are the true gray man, you might get some whining and bitching from family and friends about the situation, but if they think you are in the same boat their not going to be asking you for help.

[jansman]

how true, being the size i am and with the looks i have, (think ZZ Top ) i have a distinct disadvantage in trying to be a "grey man", i try to keep a low profile but there have been occasions when the neighbours have had "the rough edge of my tongue" so most of them know to step lightly around me i was in Wincanton one day minding my own business, walking down the street with my wife, when some woman tried to (literally) throw herself through a shop window just to get away from us...i hadn't done anything or even opened my gob! people are so strange!

Sometimes it DOES pay to be a bit scary. When we moved here all those years ago, my Dad ( now sadly departed) told me to" Be a good neighbour, but make sure they know who is boss" meaning don't let anyone get whip hand of you. Just like you my neighbours have felt the rough edge of my tongue too. My lovely Wife says that I am a little bit larger than life( well actually she says I am bonkers!) but we dont get bother.
In a shtf situation, don't let on what you have,but at the same time do not wimp out of your responsibilties. If you behave like a prey animal you will get eaten.

[nickdutch]

Sometimes, even if you think you are being the one in charge, you might be creating resentment in the people that you are dealing with or trying to be superior to, and as a result you might get yourself shot, maimed, or worse. An attitude problem, no matter how well expressed, cant stop a projectile that is carefully aimed by a skilled sniper with any ranged weapon.
Sometimes diplomacy and intelligent leadership skills, not the leadership of the law of the jungle, can be a better asset.

[bulldogeagle]

who said anything about being in charge Nick? the last thing i want is to be responsible for people(outside my family, neighbours etc), we were talking about not being a sap and letting people walk all over you.