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Sometimes you need to disappear. You can’t literally do this. There are ways to remain hidden even if you’re right in front of the person who is targeting you. You need to learn how to blend in and vanish. This is known as “becoming a gray man” and it’s actually not as difficult as you might think.
Gray Man’s Attire is Important
Your attire is a crucial part of hiding from plain view. If you are not sure of your destination and don’t know the local dress, it is best to wear plain, neutral-colored clothing.
Avoid shirts or jackets in bright colors with logos. (Logos can be etched into the minds of others). Try to match the current style. Wearing pants from ten or 15 years ago, for example, will make you memorable to others.
If you know what to expect in terms of local clothing, then go ahead and copy their style. If you’re attending a sporting event then jerseys and T-shirts with logos will help you blend in. At a rally or protest, shirts that have photos or slogans that represent the cause are ideal.
Location, Location, location
If you want to blend into a crowd it is best to go to the center of the group or the largest group of people you can find. If you are at the outside of the group, it is easy for someone to find you.
Instead, go deep inside and find a group of individuals. Pretend you are a member of that group. Follow them until they scatter, or leave the crowd. Return to the pack’s most dense area and find another random group.
This is a good strategy until you have a permanent plan to remain hidden.
(Photo by iStock Photo).
Talk the talk, walk the walk
You need to dress differently than the locals, whether you’re at a bar, on the streets of a foreign country, or at a concert. Your actions can be just as important as your clothing.
If a crowd is cheering and booing together, you will look out of place. Avoid remaining silent when those around you are loudly vocal, or talking too much/showing excessive emotion in calm and quiet environments. This can raise red flags among those around you.
Follow the crowd and act as if it were your job to be there. Be careful not go against the grain.
You can copy what others do and say if you are unsure of what to say or do. You can find out the local flow by applying situational awareness. You’ll be part of the majority, and you won’t draw unwanted attention.
Don’t be the sore thumb in a group
You’ll blend much better if you stick with people who have similar traits or characteristics to yourself.
If you’re shorter than the average person, stay in an area with shorter people. If you are tall, stay with people who are tall. Imagine this: How easy would it be for you to recognize a tall woman among a group of men who are shorter? The answer is – very easy.
It may be difficult to find a group that shares one or two traits. Do your best to find a group that shares your traits.
(Photo by iStock Photo).
Do and Do Not Accessorize
It may seem contradictory, but you should always carry accessories with you and know when to discard them. It is important to know when you should do either.
If you always wear a baseball cap in a bright red color, for example, you can be easily identified as the person who is wearing the cap. Even if you switch your clothes, but keep the baseball cap, it will remain in the minds of many people.
Wearing the red cap is beneficial if, using the same example, you plan to remove it later in order to deter anyone who follows you.
This includes men and women wearing jackets, carrying umbrellas, or holding purses or briefcases. If an accessory is used to identify a target, then removing it will allow you to quickly change your appearance.
Change Your Look
You may need to completely change your appearance. You can do this by cutting or dyeing your hair, changing the way you style your hair, growing your beard or your mustache out (if you have time), or wearing a hair wig.
(Photo by iStock Photo).
You will also need to change your clothes. If you usually wear dress shirts with pants, maybe ripped jeans and printed t-shirts will help. If you usually wear a dress, skirt or top, consider wearing pants or overalls.
Even if you were known to someone before you “transformed,” radically changing your appearance can make you appear invisible.
Smoke and Mirrors
Use your own tricks to make yourself invisible to others, just like magicians who use smoke and mirrors. Do your research and learn about the local customs. Buy second-hand clothes for quick changes. Don’t draw unwanted attention by acting different from the locals and the crowd.
What’s the best part? You will be searched for everywhere, even though you are hiding in plain view!
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Keep ReadingThe post The Basics of Blending Into a Crowd : Becoming the Gray Man first appeared on Athlon Outdoors.
