World is a scary place and it affects us all (and our cats!)
Photo: Paul Schultz
Here is some proof (there are many other examples) that we are finding the world an increasingly scary place and have been doing so for years. Every year that goes by makes he world scarier.
Proof One
In England, UK in 1970, 80 percent of children aged seven and eight travelled to school alone. In 1990, the figure was 9 percent and it is believed that the figure continues to fall year on year. Parents are scared to let their kids outside alone because it is scary out there.
An American couple, both highly educated and ‘thinkers’ believe in ‘free-range parenting’. It is reminiscent of ‘free-roaming cats’. There names are Danielle and Alexander Meitiv.
They have been reprimanded by the local authorities and almost lost their kids as the authorities threatened to take them into care. Why? Because they allow their ten-year-old son and six-year-old daughter to walk the short distance home from a local park.
The Maryland authorities found them responsible for ‘unsubstantiated child neglect’ for doing something that was the norm almost years ago.
The police stopped the children and alerted the authorities. ‘Free-range parenting’ advocates self-reliance. It is backlash against over-protective parenting called ‘helicopter parenting’. ‘Helicopter parenting’ as a concept is burgeoning.
The parents are appealing the authorities decision and will continue to let their children walk home alone. The FBI says that abductions by strangers are rare. Most kidnappings are by family members.
There is a fear of what might happen ‘out there in the nasty world’.
Proof Two
In the UK cars have become increasingly large and ‘muscular’ looking. This satisfies demand for a feeling of safety when outside. People want to drive in a protective bubble. Where is it going to end. Cars should be smaller and lighter for economy and the environment.
Cats
A major reason why people keep cats inside is because ‘out there’ in the scary world there are poisoners and nasty people who want to harm cats. Also human populations are consistently on the up, bringing more traffic and other hazards to cats.