is it sad that society has changed so much that we can't leave doors unlocked now?

Question

for example... what does it say about society?

Answer 1

That we're not so stupid any more?

This is a common way of assessing life as it was 50-70 years ago and can be perceived as a shame - and in some ways it is.

But the change reflects more on the way we live today than anything else; ie: we fundementally have more to nick nowadays. Where as 50 years ago; the only thing that was nickable was some dodgy orniment or the nice crockery.

If you had anything of value - you'd've kept the doors shut.

There has not been a massive increase in crime compared to the pre and post wars years. There HAS been an increased awareness of it however and a media enhanced view that we're in the midst of a crime wave; which has been a common view for as long as I've been on the planet.

In fact, it's almost impossible to assess crime as was compared to today. Crime statistics have changed drastically over the decades and new laws introduced.

Observing society (Ideally not through the Media) I have a very different view on life: I've lived in some pretty rough areas in Manchester, London and Abroad - yet never had my house broken into, never been mugged or beaten up, never had a car stolen, etc. But nor have I seen any - except on the Media.

While I'm not saying that crime doesn't happen - it's definately not as bad a people day.

The reason for the Rant is that this is something my father always says about life yonks ago - and it really, really irritates.

Answer 2

Bad things. Were I'm from (The Bahamas), 15 years ago you never saw homeless people. Even if you were a junkie, you'd be allowed to sleep on the porch or in the abandoned car, you'd get a hot meal (hell, you may even get a few bucks for your drugs) now, all you see are homeless people. Mostly OLD which mean we are no longer taking care of our grandparents and parents which is sooooo sad.

Being able to leave your door open does give you the sense that you live amongst friends not enemies.

Answer 3

Its not just society. Its what we have in our homes in todays world. was there any tv video dvd satelite cable or digi boxes around in those days. I bet the people who could afford to keep their houses unlocked most probably could not afford many luxuries like radios etc. And not much money or valuables would have been kept at home and there was always someone there.

Staying with valuables, we all live in a life of luxury if you come to think of it. Even those on benefits have HD Plasma screen 42" TVs with Sky+. So in a way we are a spoilt society and when some can't afford it or need the value of that object for uses like narcotics etc which is also up since those days, then things get nicked.

Dicipline and law was also tougher in those days. Today the Law is awkward. Don't get me wrong, I think it is moraly wrong to hit children but we can't even shout or threaten unmeaningfuly at the kids. I remember when my dad unmeaningfuly said he would smack my brother when he was mis behaving, and I know for a fact that my dad doesn't even abuse little bugs like I do he picks em up and puts them in the bushes in the garden. But my brother threatend my dad back by saying he would report my father just for saying that if my dad didn't get off his back. And having a pop at anithers kid, does anyone recall Cherie Blair jokingly hiting a lad for making fun of Tony. Someone complained that it were abuse and they had 25 cops out doing interviews and doing what they do. Of course the lad and his mum didn't press charges cause there was nothing to press charges againset and hundresds of tax payers money was probably already wasted on this.

Answer 4

So true. The worries that plague the mind as a result of an unlocked door. Tragic!

Answer 5

I don't lock my doors all of the time, nor my cars. But I live in an area where I trust people, and we aren't in the big bad cities where people have no respect for anyone else. It is a respect issue first. Respect other peoples' property, and don't steal it.

Answer 6

We can leave our doors unlocked - just don't expect the DVD player to be there when you get back!
But, seriously, there are still places where you could feel safe enough to leave your door unlocked.

Answer 7

The working class guy/burd has too many valuables now only folk with nothing worth stealing would consider leaving their doors open.. changed days indeed.

Answer 8

Not only do we need to lock our doors, we need to lock our car doors and keep the windows up! Sad, sad, sad.

Answer 9

To be honest it has always been this way in my short life- I just believe there are others like me how are trying to get it back to the old ways.