Why Can't We Get a Handle on This Safety Thing

If I were to ask you to characterize the view that the "uninformed public" has of hang gliding, what might you say? You might say that they think of hang gliding as a "death sport," or, at the very least, an "unreasonably unsafe activity."
You might say that they think hang glider pilots are "thrill seekers who recklessly disregard the inherent risks in what they do." You might say that they are under the mistaken impression that hang gliders are fragile, unstable flying contraptions blown about by the winds, only partially and inadequately under the control of the occupant.
If confronted by a spectator with this attitude, how might you respond? You might say that once upon a time, in the very early days of the sport, it was true that gliders were dangerous, and pilots behaved in an unsafe manner. You might point out that in recent years, however, the quality of the equipment, the quality of training, and the level of maturity of the pilots have all improved immeasurably. You might point to the fine aerodynamic qualities of today's hang gliders, the rigorous certification programs in place for gliders, instructors and pilots, and you might give examples of the respectable occupations of many hang glider pilots--doctors, lawyers, computer programmers. You might make the claim that hang gilding today is one of the safer forms of aviation, and is no more risky than many other action-oriented sports.