Baguetteman never judge until you have walked in another mans ( or womans shoes).
If a persons gut instincts tells them that someone is about to threaten their personal safety then i say use what ever you can get your hands on to defend yourself.
Or perhaps the "hippy" way is to lie down and take it up the arse from your attacker then offer him a spliff afterwards.
Fortunately most folks are decent but when faced with a real threat you havent got time to do a questionaire or interview the person to see if they are a real threat.
Some circumstances require instant on the spot decision and we are no different in our response to any other animals defending themsleves their young or their territory - Just watch some documentaries.