Warning: this article may contain words

Storms force trees to grow deeper roots, the saying goes, and I rather like that thought.

It is an almost poetic way of articulating that only through adversity do we prepare for the next challenge. It takes a scrape before healing can begin. It is a reminder to us all that our exposure to the elements of life weathers our character in preparation for the next headwind that we’ll inevitably face.

Which begs the question: why do we feel the need to infantilise everything these days? From warnings on coffee cups alerting you to the fact that your drink made with boiling water might be hot to trigger warnings on the news: ‘some people may find this upsetting.’

Now, and you can bet your bottom dollar some sandal-wearing, falafel-eating, good-cause warriors at the Met Office with degrees from City this and London that are high-fiving at their self-prescribed genius, they’re naming forthcoming storms after Wallace and Gromit characters. A competition has been launched, inviting you to ponder this meteorological teaser: do you want the next danger-to-life weather event to be called Timmy or Shaun?

“Naming storms encourages people to take notice when severe weather is approaching,” is the reason given. “It helps weather warnings reach more people.”

That may be so, but trivialising what started out as a good idea by turning it into a pre-school colouring competition defeats the object. Storms should be called Igor, Thor or Zeus. I was even OK with Claudia last year, but Timmy or Shaun from Wallace and Gromit? What’s next, Minnie Mouse? Elmer Fudd? Shh, be vewy quiet. I hear that scwewy, wascawy wabbit wustwing in the wind!

For those of us (you) who venture out in all weathers to tend to crops, flocks, walls, troughs; farmers, builders, landscapers, posties, milkies, paperboys and girls … the list goes on … the closest concern you’ll have that bears any resemblance to Wallace and Gromit is the prospect of donning the wrong trousers for any possible inclement weather.

Which brings me to my question for you all on this Thinker of a Thursday: why have we lost the ability to fathom for ourselves that danger might be ahead? Has our collective hazard perception depleted? Has the maelstrom of constant warnings diminished the need for deeper roots, and what impact might that have on society? Or have we just gone plain soft?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

James

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Word of the day: Zarf - the cardboard sleeve that stops those idiots that don’t know coffee is hot from burning their fingers on their coffee cup.

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