indifference can be very aggressive. there was a couple walking by us, they always walk intensely, usually crossing the street if they see a dog. one was on the phone, the other saw me smile with a black kid sitting on a low wall. he looked at the kid and said working hard, huh? it's all about the money. then he swung his eyes at me and said, ain't nothin funny, you gotta have a con in this neighborhood. i was still smiling and looked back at the kid and he was smiling too. it was funny but rather hostile. of course i may be interpreting. perhaps the scariest people are the good silent neighbors.