Ep 2. Safety Hysteria

In the second episode of the second season of Penn and Teller Bullshit!, the dynamic duo takes on the subject of "Safety Hysteria." The episode delves into the pervasive fear-based marketing in the United States, particularly as it relates to child safety.

Throughout the episode, Penn and Teller offer a skeptical take on the various products marketed under the guise of keeping children safe. They point out the absurdity of some of the claims made by companies selling products like child safety seats, helmets, and knee pads. In particular, they focus on the way these products are sold by exploiting parents' fears of worst-case scenarios.

In one segment of the episode, Penn and Teller explore a popular children's playground called "Adventure!" The playground features an array of swings, slides, and climbing structures designed to allow children to take risks and explore their own limits. However, the playground's administrators are under constant pressure to make the playground safer, and as a result, Adventure! has become increasingly less adventurous over time. Penn and Teller question the wisdom of this trend, arguing that it risks limiting children's development and making them overly cautious.

Another segment of the episode deals with the issue of bicycle helmets. While the hosts acknowledge that bicycle helmets are a good idea for safety, they question the extreme measures some parents and schools take to make sure children are always wearing helmets. Penn and Teller argue that this approach takes away from the idea of bicycling as a fun and independent activity, and instead turns it into yet another area where children are made to feel anxious and unsafe.

Finally, Penn and Teller offer some perspective on the issue of child abductions. While acknowledging that kidnapping is a legitimate concern for parents, they point out that the risk is actually quite low. They argue that the widespread media coverage of child abductions creates a sense of fear that is disproportionate to the actual danger. Penn and Teller urge parents to take a more measured approach to this issue, and to avoid instilling their children with a sense of constant fear and anxiety.

Overall, the episode is an entertaining and thought-provoking take on the growing trend of safety hysteria in the United States. Penn and Teller's irreverent humor and willingness to take on conventional wisdom make this episode an enjoyable and informative watch for anyone interested in the subject.