Quote:
Originally Posted by redwitch
I agree with the majority -- there's an increase in reporting but not an increase in actual violence. Kittens and puppies were drowned as a matter of course in many places when I was a kid. Hearing of an abused animal was not unusual. Kidnappings have been around for time immemorial. Rape was not reported -- more often than not the victim was considered to be at fault. Child abuse was considered acceptable or kept well hidden if truly extreme. Spousal abuse was deserved and kept quiet. Pedophilia was common (1 in 3 women over the age of 60 were molested as children).
I think the one area that has changed is mass murders. Not serial killers but murderers shooting into schools, offices, etc. I don't remember those occurring in the past (if you were angry at a co-worker, you killed the co-worker, not everyone in the office; you fought the class bully or even plotted his/her death but you didn't shoot up the school).
What amazes me is how fearful our society has become. Kids no longer can play outside without an adult watching them. Their every second has to be scheduled. I find this tragic. Some of my greatest joys were wandering into the woods with a bag lunch and a good book. I'd come home when it began to get dark. I don't know of a child in today's society who could do this. We have an obligation to protect our children but don't we also have a responsibility to teach our children how to protect themselves, make good decisions, learn to live in their own skins? Who can learn this by doing only organized activities or playing video games and watching tv?
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This is very well stated. But before the thread closes, let me suggest that there are two reasons for the emergence of mass shootings: 1) The media fascination and guarantee to the killer that he will become famous, and 2) the accessibility of automatic weapons. Excitement and a sense of control is planted in the minds of sick demented killers, who always felt they lacked that in their frustrating lives.
OK, I've said it.
