So when I say the moral decline and collapse of civilization, this is an example what I am talking about...
We get stories like this occasionally. Teens with a completely cold reaction to life and death situations, showing no empathy or compassion. It is often a failure of parenting and culture when this occurs, but it is also not universal. There have always been individuals like this. In a culture where people carry cell phones and document moments in their lives, we just see it more often.
There are still heroes who will put their own lives at risk to save others. There are teens who do react to crisis. Here is a 19 year old who died saving younger boys. There are teens, even in Florida, who will help someone in trouble.
Instapundit: No Duty To Rescue and Good Lord: Youths laugh and make video as man drowns...
Victory Girls: Charged with failure to report a death...
Lem's Place: Disturbing video of teens laughing
TOM: Palm Beach Götterdämmerung
Hot Air: Possible charges for teens
Made all the more depressing that because they are teenagers, and considered not to know any better; no criminal complaint would be lodged. And I'm ok with that in a just society, but also in a just society; those teenagers would be denied social welfare for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteIt is not because they are teenagers. I am pretty sure you have no duty to rescue someone or to call assistance if someone is drowning.
DeleteI know that varies from state to state (Alaska I believe requires you to give road side assistance or call the State Patrol in winter weather). As part of a Coast Guard license, you are obligated to offer assistance to a disabled ship or passenger in the water.
I concur, about the social contract.