1970's v 2010 How things Change

Scenario:
Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.

1970 - Crowd gathers. Johnny wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up best mates for life.

2010 - Police called, arrests Johnny and Mark.. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Mark started it. Both children go to anger management programs for 3 months. School board hold meeting to implement bullying prevention programs

Scenario:
Robbie won't Keep still in class, disrupts other students.

1970 - Robbie sent to office and given 6 of the best by the Headmaster. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2010 - Robbie given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. Robbie's parents get fortnightly disability payments and School gets extra funding from state because Robbie has a disability.

Scenario :
Billy breaks a window in his neighbour's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1970 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2010 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse.. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. Government psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison.

Scenario :
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1970 - Mark gets glass of water from Teacher to take aspirin with.

2010 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.


Scenario :
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from Guy Fawkes, puts them in a model airfix paint bottle, blows up an ant’s nest.

1970 - Ants die.

2010- Police, Armed Forces, & Anti-terrorism Squad called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, MI5 investigate parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated. Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario :
Johnny falls while running during break and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary . Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1970 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2010 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

Re: 1970's v 2010 How things Change

Oh blimey Madmare - thats depressing - is it really as bad as this in 2010

Re: 1970's v 2010 How things Change

Goodness me, is that how far we've come! It's frightening isn't it

It's also worrying to think what another 10 years may bring

Re: 1970's v 2010 How things Change

The work of Left wing Do-gooders who believe that any diversion from their infantile world view should be countered, Health and Safety freaks who think people will get hurt when the wake up if they dont have rules and Solicitors who want to sue everyone who steps out of line accidentally.

Bring back the old days when we could LIVE our lives freely.

Re: 1970's v 2010 How things Change

There are too many organized groups of People telling us what's good for us and what's bad. Life is no bed of roses and we all must learn to cope as best we can using our own steam. In my opinion, some children are over protected and it's not good for them in the long run when they have to deal with awkward situations themselves. Nobody can write a book on how life is to be lived, you just take it as it comes along.

Re: 1970's v 2010 How things Change

That's shocking when you look at it like that. Like Mags said, what will it be like in 10 years time??????

Re: 1970's v 2010 How things Change

That is so sad, and unfortunately so true. I shudder to think what some of my childhood pranks would have involved me and my parents with .... ah, the Nanny state. Whatever happened to common sense and parental responsibility.