Urbanites categorically avoid ‘odd’ persons because unpredictability threatens conspicuous interaction

Evidence

Keep oneself protected. Avoid coming close to anyone who either looks or behaves “oddly.” Such persons are unpredictable, may accost one despite one’s precautions, and may involve one in conspicuous interaction. — Lyn H. Lofland, World of Strangers_ Order and Action in…, 912

Categorization

• XREF: Direct evidence for Lofland’s categorization-of-strangers thesis that the reading purpose cross-references against Cole’s isolated witness.