I'm having trouble understanding how the idea of "not explaining yourself to anybody" works in reality.

[Crosstimbers Okie]

And when I project confidence, I'm in even more danger. So which is it, do I die immediately or eventually? LMAO

Take it farther. Insted of projecting confidence, actually be confident. Confidence comes from coping with obstacles and adversity. Find obstacles to overcome and adversity to cope with and you won't care about bull**** from others.

To get on the fast track, apply to work as a CO in the oldest penitentiary in your state. The thugs will give you plenty of adversity to overcome. If you don't get hooked on it as a career, you can take the personality you made and use it in any field.