Why do people sympathize with children more than adults?

[Hammerhead]

yet in airplanes they tell you to put on your oxygen mask first before you put on your child's mask

 

[theprodigalrebel]

Originally posted by: Hammerhead
yet in airplanes they tell you to put on your oxygen mask first before you put on your child's mask

That's so that you don't pass out before the kid, right?
You pass out first -> kid goes maskless -> lose-lose

 

[Hammerhead]

Originally posted by: theprodigalrebel

Originally posted by: Hammerhead
yet in airplanes they tell you to put on your oxygen mask first before you put on your child's mask

That's so that you don't pass out before the kid, right?
You pass out first -> kid goes maskless -> lose-lose

Adult lungs are larger and should be able to handle it longer than a child's lungs, right?

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I helped save a child once who was in breaking surf and being pulled out over her head. There wasn't even a moment's hesitation. Her sister was calling for help because she was too far out and couldn't get in. Waves were a good head high that day too. She would have drowned were it not for my friend and I.

If there was an adult out there in trouble at the same time I probably would have still gone for the child first. An adult is stronger and should have a better chance of surviving longer in most situations.

I guess it comes down to who is the most vulnerable. Clearly children are.

While I do agree with that, I was thinking more of in the situation where if there is a terrorist holding a group of people hostage, the choice being who gets to die, the children or the adults (assuming of course there is an equal amount).