We Live in a World Where People Act Out of Fear

[n_huffhines]

I know...I know...I've heard it a million times. I don't have kids, so I don't know what it's like.

A woman in Pocatello, Idaho spotted an “older white man” taking pictures of “children” at a park, so she ran up to him and screamed at him until he left, and then called the police, who duly issued an alert asking the public for information about this mysterious stranger. The local press picked it up.

Then the man called the police himself. He was in the park with his grandson, and he was taking pictures of his grandson. He didn’t run away from the woman, he left because she was freaking him out with her wild, unfounded accusations that he must be up to no good because he was a) an adult, b) in a park, c) with a camera. For some reason, the police found this to be suspicious, too — despite the fact that statistically the most likely abuser in a child’s life is a relative or close acquaintance, not a stranger. Who needs evidence-based policing when you’ve got unfounded terror, though?

Man with camera in park who fled angry parent sought by police (turns out he was taking pix of his grandson) – Boing Boing

 

[volinbham]

stranger danger!

 

[IPorange]

The woman should be charged with disturbing the peace.

 

[hndog609]

If I had my Grandson there (or any articulable valid reason) I'd have told the little harpy to perpetrate a particularly lurid act upon herself or I'd be the one calling the police, not later, but then and there.

It's understandable (sadly) in this day and age to be a bit paranoid about one's children but really...you just don't get to off on somebody with only "Have you seen the news lately?" as your justification. If it's that bad in your head stay away from the park. (some do)

 

[n_huffhines]

If I had my Grandson there (or any articulable valid reason) I'd have told the little harpy to perpetrate a particularly lurid act upon herself or I'd be the one calling the police, not later, but then and there.

It's understandable (sadly) in this day and age to be a bit paranoid about one's children but really...you just don't get to off on somebody with only "Have you seen the news lately?" as your justification. If it's that bad in your head stay away from the park. (some do)

The perception that "this day and age" is more dangerous than days past is probably inaccurate. For instance, people perceive that police brutality is out of control these days. The truth is it's not out of control, it's just better documented with the emergence of digital camcorders and camera phones. Ironically, the fact that everyone has cameras has proven to be a deterrent and police brutality is diminishing, but that's not the perception. I think it's the same with child abduction. It's not happening more, we just hear about it more with modern media.

 

[Coach Grizz]

Lol this thread reminds me of a video I seen on YouTube the other day!!
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[hndog609]

The perception that "this day and age" is more dangerous than days past is probably inaccurate. For instance, people perceive that police brutality is out of control these days. The truth is it's not out of control, it's just better documented with the emergence of digital camcorders and camera phones. Ironically, the fact that everyone has cameras has proven to be a deterrent and police brutality is diminishing, but that's not the perception. I think it's the same with child abduction. It's not happening more, we just hear about it more with modern media.

I think you may very well have a point with the example you give but it only deals with a specific group. As a whole I very much believe things are worse "in this day and age". Some of that can be nothing more than pure math...more people = more crazies/rapists/pedophiles/etc. Even if that's the main factor (debatable) it still means there's more danger out there now than a generation ago.

 

[n_huffhines]

I think you may very well have a point with the example you give but it only deals with a specific group. As a whole I very much believe things are worse "in this day and age". Some of that can be nothing more than pure math...more people = more crazies/rapists/pedophiles/etc. Even if that's the main factor (debatable) it still means there's more danger out there now than a generation ago.

Yeah in absolute terms, but relative to your existence there isn't more danger. It's not practical to worry that more people = more total crime if you are statistically less likely to be a victim

 

[NEO]

It is idiotic to think there is no difference in child related crimes Pre Adam Walsh and post Adam Walsh.

 

[Spartacavolus]

It all boils down to communication, which lacks in this country. If she asks him politely, though nosily, what's up, he says he's there with his grandkids and all's good. Nothing wrong with that. There are probably a dozen people listed as sexual predators within a mile or two of their location. She had the right idea, just executed it very poorly.

 

[hndog609]

Yeah in absolute terms, but relative to your existence there isn't more danger. It's not practical to worry that more people = more total crime if you are statistically less likely to be a victim

I'm not entirely sure that last sentence is as comforting as you think.

Actually I think there's a huge wildcard in where you are. Let's face it, some areas are lots LOTS worse than others.

 

[BigOrange15]

Right, because if I was a pedophile, I would definitely take all my illicit pictures in a park in front of God and everyone.

 

[NEO]

Right because if I was a pedophile, I would definitely take all my illicit pictures in a park in front of God and everyone.

The guy who had the girl locked up for over a decade and raped her and fathered two kids with her did JUST THAT.

His wife would stand behind him ten feet acting like she was taking pics of him and actually be taking pics of kids.

Google it.