In 2016, statistics highlighted some alarming truths about child safety in the United States. While four children tragically lost their lives due to lightning strikes, gun violence resulted in the deaths of 637 children under the age of 11. From 2002 to 2011, more than 9,000 children under 12 perished in car accidents. In 2014 alone, 425 children aged 10 to 14 took their own lives. Unintentional injuries accounted for the deaths of 2,696 children under 14, and 643 children succumbed to homicide. According to the CDC, “Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger.”
Contrast this with the fact that in 2016, zero American children were killed by terrorists. The only recent instance of a child dying from terrorism in the U.S. was during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which claimed one young life. In the years prior, no children lost their lives to terrorism, with the last significant tragedy occurring on September 11, 2001, when eight children died. Before that, 19 children died in the Oklahoma City bombings in 1995.
In a climate where we debate the admission of Syrian refugees, these statistics deserve our attention. Children are dying in war-torn regions at alarming rates, yet our focus seems misplaced. The refugee vetting process is rigorous, involving nine steps and multiple opportunities for re-evaluation. Following their arrival, refugees must obtain a green card, which initiates another series of checks. Only 1% of global refugees qualify for entry into the United States, making the likelihood of a terrorist slipping through this filter exceedingly low compared to the risk of drowning or homicide.
The media tends to amplify extraordinary risks while neglecting everyday dangers. Reports of shark attacks, mass shootings, or terrorism dominate the news cycle, while the significant risks of drowning or car accidents often go unnoticed. This discrepancy in focus shapes our perception of risk. Research indicates that people tend to misinterpret actual risks based on personal experiences and societal narratives. With sensationalized media coverage, it’s easy to view Syrian refugees as a threat rather than recognizing the far greater dangers present in our own backyards.
We’ve been conditioned to associate Arabs with terrorism due to persistent negative portrayals in media and political rhetoric. This bias leads to an exaggerated perception of risk regarding refugees, overshadowing the tangible threats our children face daily. Notably, the 9/11 attackers came from U.S.-allied Saudi Arabia, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
In August, the United States reached its goal of admitting 10,000 Syrian refugees, settling many in cities like Atlanta, Kansas City, and Louisville. Over the past five years, nearly 12,000 refugees have been welcomed, with American children having zero fatalities at their hands.
Instead of worrying about terrorism, we should be more concerned about preventable accidents. Focus on the swimming pool, the unsecured firearm, or the possibility of improper car seat installation. Consider the risks associated with pregnancy loss or childhood cancer—leading causes of death among young children.
Let’s shift our attention from unfounded fears of refugees to real and present dangers. For more insights on home insemination, you can check out this article about home insemination kits. Additionally, for those interested in safer family planning, IVF options can provide excellent resources.
In summary, while society often fears the sensationalized threats of terrorism, the real risks to children lie in everyday environments. By acknowledging these dangers, we can better protect our loved ones.