- #1
Why I am not always convinced living in EU makes sense
- Context: News
- Thread starter Borek
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the implications of EU safety regulations, particularly those affecting children's activities, and the broader societal attitudes towards risk and safety. Participants explore the impact of such regulations on personal development and societal norms, comparing them to similar trends in the US.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express concern over new EU safety rules banning children from traditional games, questioning the necessity and implications of such regulations.
- Others argue that overprotecting children may lead to adults who struggle with risk assessment, potentially resulting in either overestimation of their capabilities or excessive caution.
- One participant compares EU regulations to similar trends in the US, highlighting a pattern of banning items or activities due to safety concerns.
- There is a suggestion that the focus on safety may reflect a level of societal development, contrasting it with countries facing more pressing issues like education and malnutrition.
- Some participants note that the interpretation of EU laws may vary significantly between member states, with the UK being criticized for its stringent regulations.
- Several contributions emphasize the idea that a society overly focused on safety may hinder personal growth and risk-taking, potentially leading to a cycle of increased regulation.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the notion that excessive safety regulations can have negative consequences on personal development and societal risk perception. However, there is no consensus on the appropriateness or necessity of the specific EU regulations discussed, and multiple competing views remain regarding the implications of such rules.
Contextual Notes
Participants express varying opinions on the effectiveness and rationale behind safety regulations, with some attributing the bizarre nature of certain rules to national interpretations rather than EU directives. The discussion reflects a complex interplay of cultural attitudes towards safety and risk.
- #2
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And the odds of such an incident happening are ?
Up next: The barrel with a bung hole technique for raising children. At least they'll be safe.
Up next: The barrel with a bung hole technique for raising children. At least they'll be safe.
- #3
lisab
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Rules like this are rampant in the US, too.
I think overprotecting children creates adults who don't have a good idea of how to judge risk in general. This could mean that they overestimate their capabilities and take unwise risks, or they keep too far on the safe side and never take any risks.
Personally I think a society made of people who are afraid to take risks is a doomed society.
I think overprotecting children creates adults who don't have a good idea of how to judge risk in general. This could mean that they overestimate their capabilities and take unwise risks, or they keep too far on the safe side and never take any risks.
Personally I think a society made of people who are afraid to take risks is a doomed society.
- #4
russ_watters
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In the US, we just banned millions of a certain class of cribs because a small handfull of kids were killed by improperly maintained ones... at $11 million per life saved if implementation takes 10 years.
- #5
mheslep
Gold Member
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All because the Congress has the power To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes, at least according to the twisted notion put forth by FDR era courts.
- #6
mheslep
Gold Member
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In Europe the MEPs are not elected by the people? Is that correct?Borek said:
- #7
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lisab said:
Makes me think about this discussion: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=242698&page=5
- #8
lisab
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Borek said:
You have an encyclopedic knowledge of PF history
!- #9
AlephZero
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mheslep said:
That's not correct, but the European Parliament isn't where the power lies. That is in the European Council and the European Commission, whcih pretty much appoint themselves.
- #10
DoggerDan
D H said:
Although a little smelly.
- #11
shashankac655
I think the question should be the other way 
If the governments over there are able to pay so much attention to such silly things,that shows the level of development ,while some other countries are grappling poor education and child malnutrition.
If the governments over there are able to pay so much attention to such silly things,that shows the level of development ,while some other countries are grappling poor education and child malnutrition.
- #12
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shashankac655 said:
of bureaucracy perhaps.
- #13
DoggerDan
lisab said:
My Mom and Dad let me skin my knees, and then some. It lead to a life of self-sufficiency and self-employment. After my years, I can't go down anymore, so I'm out of the diving business, but I can still consult.
Personally I think a society made of people who are afraid to take risks is a doomed society.[/QUOTE}
Life is a risk. You succeed, or you die. Hopefully, we'll help one another out in times of famine!
I'm not there yet, though!
- #14
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DoggerDan said:
Actually, you die even if you succeed.
- #15
DoggerDan
Borek said:
True, but you're missing my point. :)
- #16
shashankac655
- #17
sfs01
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Would like to point out that this has little to do with the EU as such, but is the UK's overzealous interpretation of EU law. The UK, especially with health and safety regulations, are masters at coming up with bizarre rules and then blaming the bizarreness on EU rules although strangely no other European country interprets the rules that way.
- #18
DoggerDan
lisab said:
Nicely said! It's sort of a death spiral, too, where the more "safety" rules are made, the more folks are afraid to step out, and when they grow up and are in charge, they make even more rules.
I grew up collecting snakes and other reptiles. Some were even poisonous! These days, there's probably some rule against doing that.