Saw something on TV once very similar - I believe it was a David Blaine interview - the US Street magician. He said that when he started out his approach sometimes got hostility on the streets when people didn't realise he was a performer, and became aggressive towards him. He said his way of dealing with this everytime was to spot absolute nonsense, such as "My fish has a red shirt - why?". He claimed it always worked for him, as the 'offender' instantly had their anger brought down as their higher brain functions had to kick in trying to make sense of what was said, and once past that moment they just either walked off thinking him to have mental health problems or showed concern.
Not a technique I've ever seen used, but can see the logic. If a cycle cammer could try it, I'd love to see the result! (note - if it fails and you get beaten up anyway, it wasn't my idea!)
