actually, bacteria do become resistant to antibacterial chemicals as well... I've read some studies on bacteria becoming resistant to BLEACH, though the bleach wasn't at full concentration. Not nearly as much of an issue as antibiotic resistant bacteria, of course.
Personally, it looks like a lot of this is just irrational thinking. From personal arguments with my own parental units, I have noticed that people tend not to regard statistics when it comes to things that have an immediate (and devastating) impact, like having a child kidnapped. No matter how low the percent chance of it happening, parents will still use a different philosophical perspective, that of "but what happens if that worst case occurs?"
Thus the purchase of things like 400 dollar tracking devices for children...
It's not just losing kids to kidnappers either, it's about all sorts of worst-case-scenario things. Why do you think so many people are scared of flying? (pre-9/11 anyways) Why do so many people purchase SUVs? Why do companies in New Jersey have earthquake recovery plans? Because it's not about statistics, it's about being devastated _if_ that worst case should happen.
If love is the answer, could you please repeat the question?
For an amusing story about what happens after a nuclear war, you might want to check out "A Boy and His Dog." The movie's bizarrely fascinating, set in post-WWIII America, and you just have to love the ending.
Slashdot Mirror
Slashdot + Unsuspecting site + Slashdot users = Server meltdown! wheeeeee!
how horrible, dying with Celine Dion in your mouth! *shudder*
actually, bacteria do become resistant to antibacterial chemicals as well... I've read some studies on bacteria becoming resistant to BLEACH, though the bleach wasn't at full concentration. Not nearly as much of an issue as antibiotic resistant bacteria, of course.
Personally, it looks like a lot of this is just irrational thinking. From personal arguments with my own parental units, I have noticed that people tend not to regard statistics when it comes to things that have an immediate (and devastating) impact, like having a child kidnapped. No matter how low the percent chance of it happening, parents will still use a different philosophical perspective, that of "but what happens if that worst case occurs?" Thus the purchase of things like 400 dollar tracking devices for children... It's not just losing kids to kidnappers either, it's about all sorts of worst-case-scenario things. Why do you think so many people are scared of flying? (pre-9/11 anyways) Why do so many people purchase SUVs? Why do companies in New Jersey have earthquake recovery plans? Because it's not about statistics, it's about being devastated _if_ that worst case should happen. If love is the answer, could you please repeat the question?
For an amusing story about what happens after a nuclear war, you might want to check out "A Boy and His Dog." The movie's bizarrely fascinating, set in post-WWIII America, and you just have to love the ending.