How Fools Destroy Our Pleasure

[drtoivowillmann]

Dear Pyro-Friends:

 

I am a professional since decades, but when I entered pyro-industry, I was just a pyro-lover (amateur) like most of you.

I am still proud of my origin as a simple pyro like you, therefore my sympathy with all of you goes on.

 

I am worried, how hystery among public authorities and politicians makes that our pleasure is being strangled more and more. Especially in Europe hobby pyrotechnics have become almost impossible.

 

I wondered why. Then I did a look onto YouTube and opened some videos about "fireworks fails".

One of the worst: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIf26cLH3lk.

I was horrified. What a hell goes on in the minds of people who do things like that?

I am pretty sure that authorities and politicians also are told about incidents like those.

And the craziness an stupidity of people who commit such incidents with fireworks are the impression they have about all of us.

 

I absolutely do not know, if I should first cry like a baby or boil with anger about it!

 

What's your opinion?

 

Yours truly: Toivo

 

[lloyd]

Toivo,

I feel anger. When I was a child, children were taught that fireworks were fun, but dangerous, and needed to be respected. We were informed (even in grade-school) of the various forms we should not play with, and how to use the rest safely.

 

But, back then, a person's safety - when doing something 'dangerous' him/her-self - was THAT PERSON'S business... not only to see to their own safety, but to watch out for others' safety.

 

Now, our children are 'totally cocooned' in a nest of 'safety blankets', where anything even slightly hazardous is ruled completely off-limits.

 

It's a sad state. I hesitate to say this, but shall, anyway (grin), that most of this 'safe at all costs' attitude came from Europe, and slowly 'infested' the USA.

 

It is what it is, though. I believe we might be the last full generation to be able to enjoy our own fireworks. All future generations are doomed to be passive viewers.

 

Yours,

Lloyd

[felixthecat]

there is much truth here....but lets not get too depressed as long as kno3 sulphur charcoal and metal powders are available then gran/dads will be ramming simple devices in garden sheds for the amusement of kids(maybe theirs too...) the world over...even those writhing under the eu jackboot......stay safe .....joe

[Nessalco]

You know, there are four and twenty ways of looking at a mule - so perhaps we could look at something other than the ass-end?

 

I agree that some parents are very wrapped up in the whole safety thing, and go to absurd excess. Risk is seen as a bad thing, and their kids take forever to learn how to manage the risk that is inevitable in their lives - if they ever do.

 

It's up to every parent to help their kids adapt to the world, and managing risk is part of that. My kid did the usual kid stuff like riding bikes and hiking in the woods (without supervision) they were involved in hunting, fishing, caving, rock climbing, high power rocketry, and now, at least to a limited degree, pyrotechnics.They are safe, responsible people, and my grandson enjoys the same liberties they did at their age. He's staying with us for a while, and has been hanging around the pyro shop while I'm working. A good little helper with a deep natural curiosity. A true joy to be around!

 

Frank Richards and the PGI Junior Pyro program are an example of what can be done at the organizational level.

 

I will add that I think part of the problem with pyro is that there is a significant cost of admittance, and the hobby may be beyond the financial reach of many families, especially in these days when both parents have to work just to make ends meet. That's a significant reason I am not a PGI member and will not attend Convention - the cost is beyond me.

 

KO

[stix]

. . . Now, our children are 'totally cocooned' in a nest of 'safety blankets', where anything even slightly hazardous is ruled completely off-limits . . .

 

Yes Lloyd, that is a real problem.

 

Here in Aus, I think we have gone too far. Playgrounds have soft surfaces and even the good old "swing" has been modified to ensure that you can't go too high etc. Personally I still love swings

 

A few weeks back I taught my 11yo son how to start a fire with a magnifying glass. I ensured that is was done in the correct environment, with a bucket of water on hand etc. After he understood the hazards, I left him to it, but with a careful eye made sure I could see what was happening in case something went wrong. He spent a good 3hrs or so burning leaves until the sun went down.

 

The next week I got a phone call from his school. Apparently he had taken a magnifying glass from the science class and was showing his friends how to start a fire!

 

I got called to the school for a "please explain" session.

 

I said that he would not have "stolen" the magnifying glass - but simply "borrowed" it to show his friends something he had learned - in the interest of science.

 

The teacher told me that as a result of his actions, he was made an example of. The whole class was informed of his "stealing" the magnifying glass. He was punished via being humiliated in front of his whole class being told that he was a thief.

 

His crime was in sharing knowledge. I did ensure that he understood that he shouldn't have borrowed/taken it. I also made sure that he understood that his interests in science were commendable and that will "always" be encouraged by me.

 

I think every parent/grandparent has a right (God given or not - it doesn't matter) to ensure that our children have the knowledge to be able to fend for themselves.

 

Otherwise, one day soon (already happening now), if we are not careful - that comfortable rug will be pulled out from under our soft lily limp feet - electricity/gas (energy) etc. owned by foreign governments and hedge funds - no internet access or communications etc. (already seen some indications of that). Darwin's theory of evolution plays out as always - except the survival of the fittest or strongest is now NOT about physical fitness/strength, but about who owns the information and who controls energy.

 

I think I just made myself depressed. I do love science and the knowledge that is available here on APC.

[calebkessinger]

It just goes to show that a "people" are stupid and kids / morons IQ. goes down by 10 points with every person added to the group.

 

Those of us that love pyro need to be safe in what we do and not draw any unwanted attention.

 

Teach your kids what you feel is "right" and let the chips fall where they may. That's all we can do in this world. It's not our job as parents to raise good kids, it's our job as parents to raise productive and self sufficient adults!

[MrB]

The teacher told me that as a result of his actions, he was made an example of. The whole class was informed of his "stealing" the magnifying glass. He was punished via being humiliated in front of his whole class being told that he was a thief.

 

Wait... WHAT? In what world is this an OK behavior? Could you share some contact information for the school administration? I'm half a world away, but i still want to write an angry email.

Yes, it was school property. It is in no way acceptable to punish a kid through shaming to this extent, for a single event.

[mikeee]

Modern Education

 

[OldMarine]

Mikeee, dude should have just screamed Allahu Ackbar and they'd have made him the teacher.

[Elisabeth]

Humanities and social sciences have gone full George Orwell at most universities.