When is it right to throw a punch?

[Harry Bosch]

I was on another website and saw this question posed and it got me thinking. I have only ever thrown two punches out of anger. The first time I genuinely thought my life was in danger. I kid had pulled a knife on me at 2:30 in the afternoon but was drunk or high or something and dropped it, a scuffle ensued in which punches where thrown. The second time I was drunk, like really drunk and swung wildly at someone who was bad mouthing my place of birth.

I feel I was totally within my rights the first time, but the second time I felt so bad I apologised to the guy. I guess the question is when have you thrown a punch in past and under what circumstances would you throw down as it where or is it not something that every red blooded male does these days? Out of interest could you include where you are from.

 

[Harry Bosch]

Oh I am from Ireland.

 

[Saul B]

If they insult your family (Not just a 'Your Mum' joke) or your woman, or if they throw the first punch.

I am from England

 

[Danny Ocean]

Use the edit button.

I think it's meant to be when you've given the person winding you up several clear warnings of what you're going to do if he doesn't stop. If they don't, then you can punch them.

 

[Tech Team FTW!]

Oh I am from Ireland.

Congratulations. You have just stereotyped yourself -_-

 

[mr mcshiznit]

Well..i have no broblem breaking out the old fistycuffs if some one swings at me. Also if pushed, slapped, kicked etc.. Other than that i'm not really one to pick a fight but if it comes to me and there is no other choice, sure why not?
Good old U S of A

 

[Souplex]

When they do, but I prefer headlocks suplexes and torso-stands to punches.

 

[Inverse Skies]

It's not. I'd rather run from a fight than get involved in one.

 

[vamp rocks]

in self defense... in my opinion

 

[Arkhangelsk]

If you feel really offended, say that you were offended and that you want an apology, and if he still acts like a dickhead, he had it coming. Unless he's drunk, then you should just walk away and hope somebody else hits him. Dickheads deserve our wrath.

 

[Pandalisk]

Its what every red blooded male that wants to show off to ladies friends etcetera do, i myself only throw punches in self defence or in the defence of others weaker than their unprovoked attackers which i have had to do on numerous occasions, I'm like particular social groups bodyguard, they cant fight, But they cant shut their mouths ether, i distance myself from them nowadays because really i'm protecting certain loud-mouthed people from something they deserve

but fighting for Noble reasons is fine in my opinion, try and talk your way out of it and if you gotta fight your way out, do, But never fight someone stronger than yourself, theirs Heroic and their stupid

I'm From Ireland myself

Oh I am from Ireland.

Congratulations. You have just stereotyped yourself -_-

I saw that, damn it..

 

[SteinFaust]

it's right to throw a punch when you are in physical danger like your first example.
it is also right to attack when another person is in danger.

oh, and girls! if someone touches your girlfriend the wrong way, or calls them something like "slut", it's perfectly fine.

 

[ae86gamer]

If they insult you, your family, or your friends also if they touch you inappropriatley(?). And I'm from Chicago.

 

[hopeneverdies]

If there were no punishment for self defense, which at my school there unfortunately is, whale on them. If they are badmouthing you personally or something that really crosses the line, I wouldn't stop ya

 

[Agayek]

As soon as they threaten physical harm on you or yours, or attempt aforementioned physical violence, you are well within your rights to beat them within an inch of their lives.

Otherwise, let it go.

The way I see it, nothing calls for violence until the other party crosses the line into the physical (I include threats in this, because it's oftentimes impossible to differentiate between real threats and bluster, and the safety of friends and family take far precedence over trusting some random), and once they cross that line, you finish it as swiftly and efficiently as possible. Go for "cheap shots" and do whatever it takes to leave them on the ground, unconscious, bloody, and/or broken as quickly as humanly possible.

 

[bjj hero]

If you or someone near you is at risk of harm that can be stopped by throwing that punch. Pride doesnt count.

They talk about my family, Ill walk away or return the favour. If he then starts getting physical Ill leave him unconscious or break an arm before leaving.

 

[WilliamWhite1]

In my objective opinion, you may only throw a punch in the case of saving a life or prolonging a death.

 

[RavingPenguin]

Ive only been in fights in my old neighborhood. These guys were badmouthing and literally pushing around my little brother. I went over and knocked one of them out with a good right hook and then got into a tangle with the other. After that it came to blows a few more times.

Anyway the only time its acceptable is if someone is insulting a loved one (family, girlfreind, freind, ect..) or has thrown a punch at you.

It's not. I'd rather run from a fight than get involved in one.

What if the other guy is faster?

 

[BoilingLeadBath]

Never. If the situation doesn't warrant kicking the side of their knee with intent to break, or other action of similar magnitude, it isn't worth worrying about.

Tactical considerations notwithstanding.

 

[Cheesus333]

It's never RIGHT to punch someone, but that doesn't mean it's wrong either. I know that doesn't seem to make sense. In fact, it's an oxymoron, but... well, violence is bad. Obviously. Harming any living thing is terrible, so it's never right, but if it's unavoidable, then it isn't wrong. In a kill-or-be-killed situation, killing someone isn't right, but defending yourself isn't wrong.