19265

Regarding this article, the challenge is how to increase the anomalous risk perceptions of white males. Their low risk perception may lead to higher use of cigarettes and other addictive drugs, lower use of condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, driving at unsafe speeds and while intoxicated, poor eating practices, higher use of guns, and so on. These behaviors put others at risk and cost society in insurance premiums, excess medical costs, and more. The risk observations are not trivial. How can white males be socialized so as to heighten their risk perceptions and make us all a bit safer and a bit wealthier?

Sandy Conners
Starkville, Miss.

This article shows that one of the preeminent centers for the study of risk has become contaminated with the spores of relativism. Every person’s perception of reality is accepted as equal, and objective truth is just a tool for oppression by that dominant caste of exploiters, the white males. Paul Slovic is quoted as saying, “Defining risk is thus an exercise in power.” Years ago, I looked at Paul Slovic’s early work as the first hope for rational policy making in matters of risk. I’m very disappointed.

Critz George
Albuquerque, N.M.