Asakiyume mita

either engaging with the person or ignoring them can be provocative

Yes! There are so many variables.

But, I try to be aware of the situation on a number of different levels. How public is the setting? Am I alone? Is the person acting in a way that frightens me, or are they being polite?

Tucson no longer allows the sale of newspapers or other items on the street medians, but there are some parts of the area that are outside the city limits where I still encounter people selling newspapers, flowers, flags, etc. to drivers waiting at the light. I used to avoid catching their eye, because that would cause them to approach in hope of a sale, but Karl pointed out that it's very demoralizing and dehumanizing to have people refuse to look at you in this way. So, now, I try to look at them and smile, even though I also turn down the offer. When we had more money, Karl would often slip them a couple of dollars, too.

I know a lot of people really dislike the street corner vendors, but they're just trying to get by and it's a difficult, dangerous job, even if not a traditional one.