General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: A bit about "potential rapists". [View all]Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)Risk analysis is relevant to the overall conversation. The basics of risk analysis simply means you consider the probability of an event occurring AND the severity of the consequenses if it does. Both must be weighed against each other and both are equally relevant. Every time you get in your car, there is a chance you will die of an auto accident. So the worst thing that can happen is death or serious injury, but the probability of that is low. Who is to say it's irrational if someone never wants to get in a car? It's up to them to decide if they want to accept that risk and arguing for safer roadways is not a bad idea either. The comparison of flying is not a great one, because people will typically pick a different mode of transportation which inevitably carries more risk. That would be irrational. The alternative to women walking the streets alone just doesn't seem workable. Those are just my thoughts on the subject. Someone else may have a different idea and that's fine.
I understand what you are saying about language. The thought in my head may not be the same once it gets in yours. I try to be a precise as I can with language for that reason. I'm not always fullly successful.