Why do we show so much concern for people that try death defying stunts or quests?

Question

When people jump 29 cars on a moped or jump out of a plane or climb a mountain why are we shocked when people die? When people ski down a slope called widow maker why do we care what happens when they themselves know the risk.

Answer 1

We love morons?

Answer 2

We care because we as a species are constantly striving to do what was thought "undoable". It is built into our makeup to always strive to go one step further.

Stuntmen, mountaineers, skydivers, explorers are all trying to push themselves beyond what was previously thought possible.

Some of these things, such as skydiving are relatively safe sports now, while motorcycle jumping, 5.10+ rock climbing and other sports are more dangerous. Mountain climbing, since Hillary, and even before, shows that what was once thought impossible, may not be so. Sports such as this are also a deeply spiritual endeavor.

As for being concerned with those who find themselves in trouble when climbing, there are two things to note. 1; It is an immensly poplular sport, and among those who are good at it, a very closely knit community. 2: Weather is most unpredictable, but when climbing, the forecasts thereof are vitally important. One decides where and when to camp based on the weather, and when it becomes foul unexpectedly, can become devastating, as is seen on Mt. Hood.

The reason we have concern for those lost in mountaineering accidents is because the people involved are PEOPLE. They are doing things that are admired when they are successful. Why shouldn't the people who admire their successes be concerned with their failures?

I've done mountain and wilderness rescue. I know how quickly situations can change. When people head into the wilderness prepared as best they can be get into trouble, that's one thing.

On the othe hand, during one rescue, while we were leaving the trail, I saw a group of people heading up the trail in the afternoon with nothing but coolers full of beer. It's the ones who get into trouble while NOT properly preparing that I have a problem with. Those who are negligent.

Answer 3

Because today...dying is not politically correct.

Nobody is allowed to die.

We have to catch terrorists without killing anyone.
You can fight a war...but nobody must die in the process.

We reduce the speed limit to 50km/h to prevent people dying...but we still sell cars doing 250km/h.

If a racing driver dies...people say that motor racing should be ban.

People still admire people taking risks...as long as those risks are controlled to prevent anyone dying. Billions of dollars would have been spent around the world in the last 30 years to make motor racing safe.

A boxer dies and they want to ban boxing.

We live in a world of wimps.
God help us...because nobody else will...if we ever have World War 3.

Answer 4

Because Anderson Cooper and Larry King need something to talk about?

Answer 5

Because we want them to succeed, but sometimes it doesn't work out. We self consciously feel like their gods or something for doing that stuff, so we think they will succeed.

Answer 6

It doesn't really make sense, but deep inside all people are bothered when somone dies, even if they could have avoided it