Story Archive

The Wussification of America, Continued

Danielle and Alexander Meitiv raised their son and daughter, Rafi and Dvora, to be smart and independent. They started by letting them play outside alone, then allowed them to walk around the block in their quiet Silver Springs, Md., neighborhood. Eventually that grew to walks to a nearby store and to the library three quarters of a mile away. When they thought Rafi, 10, and Dvora, 6, were ready, they allowed them to walk the mile-long trek home from a nearby park. “They have proven they are responsible,” Dannielle said. “They’ve developed these skills.” They didn’t make it home, though. Instead they were abducted by police officers, and the Meitivs were charged with neglect. “Don’t you realize how dangerous the world is?” asked one of the officers who brought the kids home. The Meitivs think the fear — and charges — are unfounded. “All of this fear is misplaced. The biggest fear our society should have is that we’re raising kids who don’t know how to be independent,” Danielle said. “When do you think this independent child will emerge like a genie from a bottle? It takes time.” (MS/Washington Post) ...Obviously, on their 18th birthday it just...happens.
Original Publication Date: 15 February 2015
This story is in True’s book collections, in Volume 21.

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I believe humanity is held back by the lack of thinking. I provoke thought with examples of what happens when we don’t think, and when we do. This is True is my primary method: stories like this come out every week by email, and basic subscriptions are free. Click here for a subscribe form.


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