Self-Defense For Hotel Maids
In the wake of the recent high profile assaults of hotel maids, hotels are handing out panic buttons to their employees in an effort to keep them safe from maniac members of the public. Now, The Pierre is taking it one step further, by training its maids in self-defense. But are they being lulled into a false sense of security? Let's examine, via the NY Post report on the self-defense class:
WRONG: "The half-hour classes..."
RIGHT: Self-defense mastery takes years. Do not hire any maids who haven't achieved a brown belt, at minimum.
WRONG: "Dozens of staff members — dressed in their uniforms and even high heels — showed up in shifts in the basement."
RIGHT: The best outfit to maximize self-defense is a loose-fitting gi, covering a standard Kevlar body armor vest, protective cup, and hand wraps. This is your new maid's uniform.
WRONG: "Don't strike with your fist because you could break your knuckles!" said instructor Mary Ann Carron..."Keep your hand flat."
RIGHT: You're not too worried about breaking your knuckles when you have brass knuckles on at all times. As all maids will, going forward.
WRONG: "Carron also demonstrated how, if someone sneaks up behind them, maids should stomp the perv's foot with their heel."
RIGHT: Stomp their heel and anger them further? It just doesn't make sense. Tell them they look nice, get to know them. Make friends. Violence is not acceptable behavior.
WRONG: "'Claim your personal space,' she instructed."
RIGHT: Too late, I already claimed your personal space. The best self-defense is a good offense.
WRONG: "While riding the subway or on the job, she said, 'I don't like to keep my hands in gloves or in my pockets.'"
RIGHT: Bruce Lee always kept his hands in his pockets on the subway. Little known fact.
