Originally Posted By RoadTrip I think we need to get back to the place where men feel an obligation to protect both women and children. I don't see that as old-fashioned. I see that as recognition that men are clearly more powerful than children, and are generally larger and more powerful than women. Somehow we've gotten away from that. I think part of it comes from being in a society where single women are raising kids and dads are seen as unnecessary. It also comes from a time of throwaway relationships. I think both of these things tend to devalue women and children; and more significantly, they minimize the obligation that men feel towards them. I'm not saying we men should all run off and join Promise Keepers, but I've got to tell you... although I think their point of view is a little extreme, it is certainly in the right direction.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip ^^^ I'm not blind... I know that the 'good old days' were not always that great. That in the past there were significant amounts of violence and abuse... it just was not recognized or reported.] But at the same time, men really did believe and for the most part respected the concept of 'women and children first'. I'm sorry to say this, but I think that if the Titanic went down today there would be far more fatalities among women and children.
Originally Posted By BlueDevilSF Maybe I'd feel differently if I were a parent, but even though I'm not (and never will be, thankfully)... What I don't understand is why gender has to play such an exaggerated role in this. There are bad people in this world, regardless of gender, period. Kids need to learn that, but demonizing men is not the way to go about it, no matter what the statistics say. Like nuut said, kids should be taught to be more aware of their surroundings and vigilant. All I can say is that if I ever encounter a lost child at the mall -- and that has happened to me a few times -- I probably would do well to just keep on walkin'. On the other hand, maybe we could build tasers into their clothing. It works for Batman...
Originally Posted By fkurucz << My husband worked with a guy who was a coach for the Boys & Girls Club and had sex with at least 2 of his young players. I'd be more worried about a coach than a teacher.>> I think that the real litmus test is: is the adult alone with a single child at any time. For instance, our son's soccer coach is never alone with the boys at any time. Its just the nature of the situation: parents drop off kids at the sports park (many stay) and show up before practice is over. No locker rooms.
Originally Posted By fkurucz << I have to believe women and children are vastly safer on a brightly lit plane filled with people.>> I think that child would be far more likely to be in a plane crash than to be molested on a plane. And why sandwich the kid between two strangers? I would place the kid in the aisle seat: much more visible, and the child can get away much more easily.
