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My question about this is do you think we (as Americans) are too overprotective, are they too relaxed about these things, or do you think that there is somewhere in between that both sides could aspire to?
My question about this is do you think we (as Americans) are too overprotective, are they too relaxed about these things, or do you think that there is somewhere in between that both sides could aspire to?
My question about this is do you think we (as Americans) are too overprotective, are they too relaxed about these things, or do you think that there is somewhere in between that both sides could aspire to?
So much of what we do for public safety is to prevent lawsuits. We are a litigious and blaming society. Personal responsibility takes a back seat to getting compensation. Although that crossing may be somewhat dangerous to the children, it appears to me that they are strong and confident enough to do the crossing. Children love a challenge and yes, a little danger. I too would let my children do it if necessary. You can't protect them from everything. I do think we are over protective and that a better balance would be a good thing.
My question about this is do you think we (as Americans) are too overprotective, are they too relaxed about these things, or do you think that there is somewhere in between that both sides could aspire to?
I think its different for various cultures. They may feel an education is more important than their life. But no I would never allow my child to do that. Even if I was with them as another poster said. My childs life is waaaaaay more important than an education IMHO. I would rather have an alive dumb kid than a smart dead one if you get what I mean.
Overprotective equals not letting your kid climb on the monkey bars because they might fall and hurt themselves. It does not equal not letting your kid scramble across a broken bridge over a raging river.
From the short description, it sounds like their parents didn't know they were doing this. They had another bridge to cross but it would have added 30 mins. to their walk to school so they opted to cross the broken bridge.
Would I let my child do this? No, but might my 13yo son take it upon himself to take a more dangerous route rather than a safer but longer one? Yeah he probably would. Would my 18yo daughter? She might. My 6 or 4yo? Not sure.
Overprotective equals not letting your kid climb on the monkey bars because they might fall and hurt themselves. It does not equal not letting your kid scramble across a broken bridge over a raging river.
While I don't know all the details, I would venture this:
The river does not appear to be raging.
I'm betting the children know how to swim.
And presumably, adults are keeping watch from the shore and are ready to help should one fall.
Of course it's dangerous but not immediately and irrevocably life threatening. Kids are agile and strong and there appear to be plenty of places to hang on and place their feet. They are better equipped than most adults to do this. I'm just saying that it's not the horror that a lot of Western minds might think it is.
I agree, it isn't about being over or under protective, it is about having choices and the resources to deal with something like this. Here we are spoiled because something like that would never happen here...but we are a very wealthy country and most people probably spend more money on Starbucks each year than people in that village make for an entire year. I am sure their parents view it as the only way their situation will improve, educate their children in hopes that their children will be able to prosper and take care of them. If we were in that situation, I am sure we would all send our kids over that bridge.
While I don't know all the details, I would venture this: The river does not appear to be raging. I'm betting the children know how to swim.
And presumably, adults are keeping watch from the shore and are ready to help should one fall.
Of course it's dangerous but not immediately and irrevocably life threatening. Kids are agile and strong and there appear to be plenty of places to hang on and place their feet. They are better equipped than most adults to do this. I'm just saying that it's not the horror that a lot of Western minds might think it is.
You could tell if it was raging or not from a picture? Or did you see a video. From the pics I saw there were some waves which I would presume there was some sort of raging going on to the point of this bridge would break completely because it OBVIOUSLY isnt stable and all these kids were all to fall in the water some would be swept under. How many parents are watching im sure not enough to jump in and save all the children. What if there is wildlife in this river? Is it worth risking your childs life to save them 30 minutes in walking?
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You could tell if it was raging or not from a picture? Or did you see a video. From the pics I saw there were some waves which I would presume there was some sort of raging going on to the point of this bridge would break completely because it OBVIOUSLY isnt stable and all these kids were all to fall in the water some would be swept under. How many parents are watching im sure not enough to jump in and save all the children. What if there is wildlife in this river? Is it worth risking your childs life to save them 30 minutes in walking? 
