Learning to observe those around you is a vital urban survival technique. Become aware of your surroundings and of people around you.  Most people are oblivious to what's going on around them.  If our ancient human ancestors were as oblivious and clueless, most of them would have made fine meals for lions, jaguars, wolves, bears, etc., and humans would not be here today.  Learning to observe will help you better protect yourself and stay out of trouble.
 
Why do you need to learn these techniques?  TSWHTF.

Getting philosophical before getting down to the nitty-gritty, there is a great possibility that America is going to see civil unrest -- the politically correct term for riots or rioting.  There are so many potential trigger causes that I am not going to list them here.  If you do not believe the preceding two statements, you have not been observant of what is going on around you.  That is even more of an indication that you need to read this essay and related essays linked to from here.

Practice observing panhandlers.  Observe how panhandlers decide to approach you and others or not.  That will give you some learning to perhaps be able to avoid more serious predators, as well.

Here are some observations about panhandlers by someone who grew up on the streets (not me).  Call  him “GT”.  Learn to make these observations yourself.

On any city street you will see hordes of people begging for money.  Those that are good actors and have absolutely no shame can earn up to $500 a day begging. Most can earn $50 to $100, which is still more money than many can make working on a job.

GT says that instead of becoming annoyed by the beggars, he sat down and observed them. By doing so, he learned how in many ways he and others were vulnerable to attack.  How does a beggar (or mugger) know that someone has money?  How does a panhandler know if you are likely to tell them to “f off” instead of giving them money?  How does a mugger choose a victim?

These are important questions to know the answers to.  When the economy completely collapses the government's funny money -- fiat money -- paper currency -- will revert to its true value, something with which to wipe your arse.

If you have been prudent, you will likely have some things of actual value in a currency collapse -- gold, silver, copper, lead, whatever.  A predator will likely know that about you, in the same way that beggars know the right time to ask for spare change.  Unless you know what they look for, and “camouflage” your appearance and actions to fool them.

The main way they know you have money is a certain look of confidence.  Professionals, successful business owners, skilled tradesmen, etc., who have acquired skills taking years, even decades, to become proficient at, generally have a confident look..

When you are out shopping, or at lunch, and you have money, you have the confidence to go out and buy or eat what you want.  You can buy that little gadget; you can eat at a nice restaurant instead of a fast-food joint.  You'll have spare change in your pocket, whether you put your purchases on a credit card or not.  The beggars see that confidence and try to hustle you.  Even a little bit of spare change adds up, often to several hundred dollars a day.

If you have been prudent, you will have a little (or a lot) saved in various real commodities, including gold and silver.  When TSHTF, you may have a big smile on your face because you have prepared.  Well, wipe that smile off if you don't want to become a target.  

Here's how to begin your observational skills development. Take a day off to go observe people. You are trying to learn how to tell if someone has money or not. Go to a state unemployment office, if in your state they still have walk-in offices, or to a temp agency office.

Some people will be looking sad, angry, depressed, or even confused. Those are likely the ones whose benefits have run out or are about to run out. Others will be carefree, relaxed, even happy. They are likely not in bad shape -- yet. They may have another job lined up, or they are in a still-in-demand field, or are ready for a vacation. In any event, they are not desperate.

Observe how the two types of unemployed and job seekers act -- how they look, walk, and sound. Learn to act out those mannerisms, switching back and forth, and you will have learned a valuable defensive skill.

Another place to go is to a large, busy mall. Look for the faces with the despair, pain, hopelessness, unhappiness, and other traits you saw in the unemployment office or going into the temp agency.

Next, try to see wherever you go if you can spot people with money problems. If you can do that, you are ready to apply what you have observed. Think of a time when you had money troubles in the past. Pretend you are having them now. Remember the look of the desperate unemployed people you have observed. When you feel practiced enough, go downtown and see how many panhandlers ask you for spare change or if they ask another. If they ask others but leave you alone, you have learned something. You will have learned to make it appear that you don't have much, if anything, including gold and silver when no one else has any money.

Is this learning and practice deceitful? Maybe, but it isn't wrong. It isn't wrong because you are using this to protect yourself. You're not trying to defraud others. You are merely thinking ahead. If you have observed as well current events -- political and economic -- you know that likely a time is coming where you will have to hide your valuables. To protect yourself and your valuables, including your real money of gold and silver, you need to prevent people from reading your face and body language when you may have prepared while they have not. You need to protect yourself with urban survival techniques.

For the next in the series, see Avoiding Trouble for Urban Survival.