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But it really does sell the grand tragedy that it is. Thoughtful and comprehensive analysis does not sell well.
by barelyauser 3y ago
But it really does sell the grand tragedy that it is. Thoughtful and comprehensive analysis does not sell well.
- mcpackieh 3y agoI think it would be a more interesting and useful article if it focused more on the normalization of needless risk taking, particularly Slotin's history with reckless bravado. Giving that sort of background would teach a lesson people can apply to their own lives (being young and brave doesn't make you invincible), and also give the article an excuse to talk about other sensational events like the time Slotin decided to go swimming with a nuclear reactor.
- cubefox 3y agoThat begs the question: What's more tragic, a preventable or an unpreventable accident?
- barelyauser 3y agoI think a preventable one. Consider the Air France 447 accident. It came to be due to various conditions. But I remember a lot of headlines about "if only the pilots had not done anything, the plane would have cleared the weather and keep on flying". I think putting the whole thing into a "single slip" enhances the drama.
- cubefox 3y agoYet slips are bound to happen, while systematic security measures could have prevented the accident even in the presence of slips. Though perhaps there is a difference between drama and tragedy. Or between superficial and thoughtful.