“there are some things a prudent person can do to avoid escalating a potentially dangerous confrontation”
Like if you are carrying a pistol legally, be the bigger man and move to another seat. Or I know this will sound completely INSANE, but ignore the fact that someone is texting during coming attractions?
All true.
It can even be about being the bigger (smarter) man and moving to another seat even if you are not carrying a pistol.
You never know if the other guy is a loose cannon ready to blow up or not.
I see my primary objective as survival and protection of my loved ones..
It's not about right or wrong or being manly enough to stare the other guy down - it's about avoiding and/or not exacerbating a potentially deadly situation when possible.
When avoidance or evasion is not possible, then you defend yourself and deal with the threat, and not by throwing popcorn.