What is Asphalt Anthropology?

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 27, What is Asphalt Anthropology?

This episode we talk to Beverly Baker of Metropolitan Finishing School to talk about her program, Asphalt Anthropology. One thing is for sure, Beverly's finishing school has nothing to do with holding your tea cup...

We talk about there being more to personal safety and self-defense than just the physical aspects. We talk about the importance of understanding how criminals think and what they look for. We mention the importance of de-escalation and setting boundaries as well as where de-escalation may not be appropriate; and we also talk about how it is OK to be rude when you need to be.

It is mentioned again how important listening to your intuition is and how carrying yourself in the right way can help you avoid many potentially bad situations. Beverly makes the point that paying attention to your surroundings has nothing to do with being paranoid or being fearful. It has to do with improving one's situational awareness; and you can do that by simply engaging with your environment and being more curious.

We talk about how compassion can have a place the self-defense world. Discerning between the need to defend yourself or getting away and potentially listening to your gut when you see someone that may need help in a difficult situation.

We learn it is important to recognize that in self-defense there is not one solution that works for everyone and that you need to find the classes and the training you feel solves the issues you believe are relevant to you. Beverly also reminds us it is pretty easy to avoid becoming a victim just by taking some really easy steps, i.e. avoiding that argument someone was trying to start with you or locking your doors.

Sit back. Relax. And listen.