Last week, my children sat transfixed in front of the television as they watched Nik Wallenda walk across the Grand Canyon on a tight rope. Apparently, my children were not the only ones who watched as Discovery Channel, the channel that aired the walk, reported it’s highest ratings since 2000. My children were similarly spellbound when they watched Mr. Wallenda walk across Niagara Falls on a tight rope in 2012.

Although invited, I declined watching both television specials with my kids. I do not understand the appeal of such events. To me, watching someone “perform” a stunt that could, possibly, result in their death is not entertaining but stressful. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy going to the circus. But Ringling Brothers use a safety net while Mr. Wallenda does not. And for me, that makes all the difference.

I guess I just don’t get it. Do you?