Is Modern Society More Risk-Averse?
Yes, we are indeed a nation of cowards.
Your picture suggests you are blissfully unaware of this condition, and I commend you for your open mind and clear vision. You have the luxury of not having experienced the relentless coddling and over-protection that many previous generations have endured. Success, for them, was not handed as easily as it is for today's youth.
The Necessity of Risks in the Past
Consider the early pioneers who braved the Atlantic Ocean with only the promise of everything. These venture capitalists of old faced the most powerful nation in history and declared independence, fighting for the rights to freedom, liberty, ownership, and self-governance. Their courage and risk-taking spirit is a stark contrast to today's societal norms.
About a century ago, some fought for the right to live their lives as they pleased, only to discover that their fellow countrymen were fighting to deny them those same rights. They gave their lives for the cause of independence and the abolition of slavery. Similarly, families ventured out into a wild and vast country where survival was uncertain, but the promise of everything existed.
Yet, in today's society, we refuse to venture into the professional world, stay at home to avoid life's challenges, or send our children to school. It is as if the threat of a virus with a lower mortality rate than many other health risks is the primary obstacle preventing us from leading fulfilling lives.
Risk-Aversion in Modern America
It is true that in the United States, we have become risk-averse. This could be attributed to a combination of factors, including the proliferation of lawsuits for various reasons and the abundance of news stories about potential dangers that often lead to injuries and fatalities. Historically, children were more inclined to engage in activities that might result in injuries without the constant scrutiny of parents.
Decades ago, parents weren't as anxious about their children's activities, and accidents were more commonplace. For instance, kids would climb trees, ride bicycles, or jump from high places with makeshift landing cushions, often resulting in broken bones but rarely permanent damage. However, over time, concerns grew that such behaviors should be discouraged due to the perceived risks and potential lawsuits.
The Role of Consumer Publications and Product Safety
There are consumer publications dedicated to pushing for changes in laws to make products safer, often down-rating those that don't include all safety features deemed necessary. The ultimate goal is an autonomous vehicle that eliminates human error and, therefore, the risk of accidents. However, this is far from reality.
Product warnings are also overkill, often stating obvious things such as 'this knitting needle is not for your eye' or 'this drain cleaner is not meant for human consumption.' While these warnings may seem unnecessary, they reflect a broader culture that seeks to eliminate any risk in daily life.
We continually attempt to mitigate all possible risks, but this approach stifles the very spirit that fueled past generations to take bold, risky actions to achieve greatness. We need to let people take calculated risks without the fear of litigation or the constant warnings that can inhibit adult behavior.
Conclusion
While many Americans might ignore the warnings, engaging in daredevil actions with skateboards, bikes, or other equipment, we should allow sober adults and children to play with fireworks and climb trees. It will likely result in mostly positive outcomes and a healthier, more balanced society.