[stellaluna]

My mother used to carry a five inch hat pin for safety. I carry something a bit larger. Neither she nor I, nor the lady in the article was interesting in being a victim. What’s wrong with that? Waiting on Jones or Smith to come along and save you is a sure trip to the graveyard no matte what ethnicity you are.

[zerosix]

No problemo with self protection of whatever kind works (you and your mom sound like my great aunt, a very proper lady with English heritage, when I was growing up, she carried the longest hat pin actually stuck in her hat and wasn't afraid to use it if necessary.)

Most of my lady friends who count on self protect, use a small pistol.