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Safetyism killed playtime

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Re: Safetyism killed playtime

#3
When I was a kid, 7 or 8, my Dad would give me 50p to go down to the local pub and buy him 20 cigarettes and a half-pound bar of chocolate (I was not allowed to enter the pub, but there was a take-away window near the entrance), total cost 48p. When I returned home he always said "and where's my change?"

Re: Safetyism killed playtime

#6
post #2

I broke 3 arms while I was a kid. I was lucky I didn't break a neck. I think safetyism is just fine.

I had it in mind I was going to be a stuntman when I was young, and took glee in scaring the crap out of adults by pretending to crash my bike, fall out of trees, or off of structures.

Whatever I learned from those years of risky play I credit with helping me to go on many exciting adventures and and engage with a variety of ill-advised recreational pursuits all while keeping myself largely intact.

Re: Safetyism killed playtime

#7
post #2

I broke 3 arms while I was a kid. I was lucky I didn't break a neck. I think safetyism is just fine.

I think think the argument is cut and dry as one might think. What's a few broken bones if you're stunted socially, independently, and creatively through regulation and rules. Exploring the new world with friends of your own age without adults putting you in their mental box makes you your own person. I think it's underappreciated what that enables.

Re: Safetyism killed playtime

#9
My favorite toys, when I was a kid, were these sheet-metal rocketships and speedsters.

They would have flint flywheels, and would emit a shower of sparks.

Cut you to ribbons, and set things on fire -FUN.

Also, I had a fully-operational steam engine that took Calcium Carbide rocks (acetylene source).

Re: Safetyism killed playtime

#10
post #3

When I was a kid, 7 or 8, my Dad would give me 50p to go down to the local pub and buy him 20 cigarettes and a half-pound bar of chocolate (I was not allowed to enter the pub, but there was a take-away window near the entrance), total cost 48p. When I returned home he always said "and where's my change?"

Getting a half-pound bar of chocolate (and cigarettes!) for 48p seems like quite a deal ;)
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