I was out of town and I got scared in a certain situation.

[The One and Only Mo]

I went to a certain city for a few days, and I was scared of the blacks in a certain area. There was a guy with a dishiki on screaming and rapping. The overall language was pretty F****in' lousy everywhere I went. At one point I was literally scared for my life, as scared as I was walking through the Arab Quarter in Israel a few years back. I felt like such a racist being scared in broad daylight, but I feel the same way driving through parts of Brooklyn. Chicago, or walking past Arabs. Not to mention that some black woman talked to me about Israel because she saw I was Jewish (though she turned out to be helpful). I was kind of dumb to wear my kippa and tzitzis out in this situation, but I had no clue that this place was going to be like it was. Do any of you guys have any similar experiences?

[Rubystars]

If you aren't black it's a good idea not to go into black neighborhoods. They're not even safe for blacks, really, but at least they wouldn't be seen as intruders unless they were from a rival gang.

I'm glad you're ok Mo.

[muman613]

I would not be afraid. Obviously you should be cautious and observe your surroundings. But loud music is intended to intimidate others and my reaction is always to resist being intimidated by loud music. I live not so far from a bad neighborhood but I don't fear it and I have never had a bad experience. But I know my neighborhood and I know that there are dangerous areas which I have no need to visit.

Do not take unnecessary risks but do not be fearful. Surely the gangsta blacks are on the wrong side of things and you should avoid them as best you can. But I don't fear black people in general and find that they are not all as evil as some people think. My experience includes getting my nose broken by a black gang in Los Angeles when I lived there {Back in the mid 80s}...

I am sorry you were so upset in this situation. Maybe next time you visit that city you will have a better understanding of where to stay and where to avoid.

[Ephraim Ben Noach]

Just my opinion... Try voiding unstable environments. Do not act as if you are scared, even if you are! Fear is natural, but do not allow it to overcome you. Do not look like pray, but do not look like a threat. If you are approached keep your distance and keep your back away from them. Always carry a weapon, if it is illegal, carry a box cutter in your pocket. Act like a complete psychopath! Example being, I will freaking cut your throat out, and eat your freaking children(and that is being nice)! If it looks like it's going to progress strike first! Strike at 45 degree angles, circling away keeping your enemies in front of you.

[Dr. Dan]

Not that I ever look for trouble, but in situations like this I go with the mentality that I'm ready to crack some heads open if anyone wants to start trouble with me.

[nessuno]

It's best to avoid areas like that.
I once got lost driving in Philadelphia.
I pulled alongside a bread delivery truck to ask for help.
Inside the truck there was a white driver and a black passenger.
They both look surprised to see a car with white people in it, in that area.     
They said it was best to leave right then   and had me follow them out to where I wanted to be.
Those men knew we stood out like a sore thumb, which made us a target.  I was grateful to them both.