The end of risk

Source: NewStatesman
Author: Lois Rogers

“Swaths of regulation and an industry of “fear entrepreneurs” have fuelled a climate of timidity about the dangers of everyday life. This island was once populated by an upbeat, outgoing sort of race – the kind who rallied together in adversity, bailed out each other’s houses in times of flood, and popped round to neighbours with a casserole if someone sprained an ankle and couldn’t cook. Nowadays, it is more than likely that people would be too busy investigating which authority to sue for the unexpected rainfall, and the victim of an injured ankle would be too absorbed with putting together a personal injury claim to eat a donated dinner. Read more >