[meatloaf]

A Black panhandler in NYC asked me for money. I said “No thank you.” and kept walking. He got this puzzled look on his face and repeated what I’d said as I walked off.

Confusion works.

[glorgau]

Bums in San Francisco used to ask me if I could spare a dollar or two - I’d say yeah and keep walking. F - em.

[Leaning Right]

I said “No thank you.” and kept walking. He got this puzzled look on his face and repeated what I’d said as I walked off.

Good one! As you noted, confusion (and distraction) works.