Very good post, and its something I tell people all the time, that have been mugged, or been victims of violence. It's all about how others perceive you. A criminal/mugger/rapist wants to deal with someone that won't put up a fight. If you have your hands in your pockets, earphones on, head down, slouched over, your cut off from the world, and you are perceived to be weak, and won't likely put up a fight.

Stand up straight, eyes straight ahead. Hands out of pockets, and no headphones. Do that, and your chances of becoming a victim of violence are drastically reduced.

And if it comes down to a fight, I'm a fan of conflict de-escalation. If someone wants to fight you, its for good reason. It's because they believe they have the upper hand in some way. Whether its having friends with them, or because they have a hidden weapon, or they just have more fighting experience. Explain to them that you meant no disrespect. Thats why alot of fights start, is because the bully, or whomever feels disrespected, and to not do anything about it, will result in losing face in front of their friends. Assure them that you meant no disrespect, and most of the time, that should be enough to deter a fight.