"MightyAstro" wrote:I can see the argument on both sides, but on the whole I have the highest regard for this girl. I think I probably wouldn't have tried to save the kitten and it makes me feel ashamed. If I wouldn't be prepared to risk my life to save such a poor sweet innocent animal, then would I have had the guts to do what she did if it had been a human baby or a young child or even somebody of any age?
Given that there was really no time to think about the dangers Vs. the possibilty of success of the attempt, this is the difference between a child and an adult. The adult may also mourn the kitten's death, but even in the short time left to think, will weigh the possibilty for success against the possibilty for injury to self.
Some parents shield their children from knowledge of death by quickly flushing the dead goldfish & running out to buy a replacement before the kids realize the fish is dead. Even then, seeing the fish floating on its side, they do not realize it is dead. Sure, they see 'death' on TV, but is is only an abstraction. Children do not even become aware of human mortality until after age 10 or so, & even then, it is something that happens to others, not to themselves or their loved ones. It takes time for them to realize that grandma & grandpa are mommy's or daddy's mommy & daddy. It takes time for them to realize that they will grow up, grow old, & die. At what age do they realize this?
Parents teach them to look both ways before crossing the street, but do they tell them what might happen if they do not? I doubt it; they tell them not to talk to strangers, but do they tell them what might happen if they do? I doubt it, because if they did, the kids would very likely become sheepish, afraid to be away from mommy, for fear of some stranger grabbing them and taking them away forever.
I maintain that this child was not brave, but merely childish, she was not even thinking of failure, she was dead certain that she would save the kitten & all would be well. She only thought of failure when it was too late. This is why there are laws against statutory rape; a 13 year old may love the man, may consent to a physical relation with him, but is simply too young to give an informed consent. Some states made it legal for 14 year olds to drive; I am glad I do not live in one of them.
A kid may swerve to miss a kitten, but drive into oncoming traffic. Children of this age simply do not know enough, have enough life experience, have enough wisdom, etc. During WWII, many boys wanted to join the army, but were turned away becuase they were not yet 18. Even when the military inducted 18 year old boys, they were still 3 years too young to vote. Only during the 1960s did the govt. lower the voting age; but the drinking age is still 21. The brain is not mature until the mid 20s:
http://www.why21.org/teen/.
I rest my case; I am sorry for the girl, but even more so for her family; but my opinion is firm.
