History: Then & Now

Naturally, it is presumable that if one makes a mistake and happens to stumble upon the same situation in the future, this individual will be certain of the consequences and will in turn make a different, smarter decision based on this experiential knowledge. So, that being said, is "trial and error" the insuperable, effective system of learning we humans solely exercise? Indeed, mistakes, faults, and misunderstandings are fated into our lives and instincts as a whole. Conclusions are based on experiments, and success is based on failure. For instance, texting while driving has been a nationwide mistake on our part, resulting in tragic car accidents and unnecessary losses. Through the somewhat recent ban on this habit of text-driving, the human tendency to learn from their faults emerges, revealing that failure is a blessing in disguise as we grow and prosper through understanding it. Unfortunately, however, in some cases, mistakes have no effect on the knowledge and intellect of those who do not choose to learn and make wiser decisions. Patricia Krentcil, a stubborn, ignorant mother and perfect example, puts her own daughter in danger due to the simple lack of common judgment and the ability to educate herself based on past mishaps.

The devastating amount of deaths in car accidents caused by mostly young, text-happy teens, has resulted in a thankfully wide range of U.S. states passing a law banning this murderous habit. Men, women, children; the numbers were demoralizing, effecting a large percent of our population. With the excessive, prosperous inventions of various electronic devices, predominantly cell-phones, drivers and passengers alike have been dangerously distracted by such contraptions. Consequently, our country, state by state, has been banning this use of cell-phones on the road. As of Thursday, May 3, 2012, Ohio has taken one step further towards this cause and towards becoming the 38th state to ban texting while driving, as well as the first to ban all handheld electronics in the car. Our mistake, as a society, was brutal and unforgiving, as innocent lives were taken and cannot be redeemed. However, this banning of text-driving has provided the opportunity to correct our intentions and learn from an unfortunate past.

In contrast, Patricia Krentcil, a relentless New Jersey mother, darkens her skin over 20 times a month despite the dangers of indoor tanning beds. Now, her young, naive daughter of only five has been exposed to her mother's addiction. After previously being sunburned, her delicate skin revealed, Patricia's daughter has even now been allowed by her mother to enjoy the luxurious radiation and increased risk of skin cancer. This woman has mistakenly failed to recall and take into consideration her daughter's evident skin sensitivity, along with all of the health risks people have persistently brought to her attention. With very unhealthy skin herself, Krentcil