Darwin Awards

[N80]

so it seems when someone meets their maker, and I don't know that person. its just a story to me, no different than reading the sports page.

Right, I can see that. But, if such a story doesn't move you to pity or sympathy, then it certainly shouldn't move you to laughter either.

And to me, that's a problem with the 'news' in general. What difference does it make in my life if a Charlotte man is killed outside of a nightclub in Gastonia last Saturday night? That's not news. The local public does not benefit from knowing it....except maybe to stay away from that local nightclub, but let's get real, one look at the outside of that nightclub (you know the one) is enough to warn any rational person to stay away.

I'm not saying people don't want to hear it. Sure they do, that's why it sells. But just because people want to hear it doesn't mean it is news. Its just pandering to people's morbid curiosity.....that same disgusting instinct that makes us slow down at a wreck scene..... don't deny it, you know who you are!

And no, I don't think this is an American phenomenon. The Germans have a word, schadenfrued, the definition of which is often misused but that describes a sensation of joy at hearing the news of someone's misfortune. (I may have that wrong, but its close). The fact that the Germans have a word for this and we don't doesn't indicate that the Germans are less caring but that we are less honest with ourselves. If you have a word for it, it means that it happens to you.

 

[SkyPup]

Everyone is born to die,some are just more skilled at accelerating the process.....

 

[N80]

And like I mentioned in another 'safety' thread, getting smushed by your tractor, while you are doing what you enjoy when you are 85 years old isn't the worst way of dying I can think of. Just make sure the ROPS is folded down and your seatbelt is on.

 

[indianaEPH]

there are 5 billion people on the planet,and I cant concern myself with all of them.

so it seems when someone meets their maker, and I don't know that person. its just a story to me, no different than reading the sports page.

And if it was someone you know? Then would you assume you are due some empathy?

 

[Renze]

American psyche, or just human psyche? I don't think Americans are the only ones by any means. I think some the best laughs I've had in recent times have been while watching America's Funniest Home Videos on TV.

Hmm... To contribute to your statement, i say that americas funniest home videos is also broadcasted over here in Holland, and on holiday in Germany and Finland i've also seen Bob Sagett's face on TV...

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm willing to be considered callous and heartless. I do feel remorse when I see innocent misfortune, but when I learn about some of these people who just seemed determined to kill themselves, I have a real hard time feeling sorry for them. In fact, I'm even willing to laugh at them.

I think that a lot of humor is actually our Psyche expressing relief that "it didn't happen to me".

 

[KICK]

And if it was someone you know? Then would you assume you are due some empathy?

depends on if I like them or felt they deserved it.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Commonly stated on the farm when us kids were growing up, "It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye......then it's just games!"

 

[3RRL]

I guess it's like the old 80-20 plan then?
80% of the people don't give dang about your problems
and the other 20% are glad you have them.

 

[Don Melcher]

Don't know who said this - but it sounds like George Carlin

"The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should
be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself"