Meanwhile, here in Japan, this is perfectly normal to see. Kids ride their bikes (even at night), take the subway to other parts of the city, etc., all by themselves. I can't imagine raising a kid in America these days.

I am wondering what has changed? Hasn't the US actually become safer over the last decades? I am from Europe btw, so this whole issue seems completely crazy to me.

Yes, exactly. Doesn’t stop the calls.

The US has become safer, but also a lot more afraid.

The media and parts of the government sell a narrative that the us has become more dangerous, even though it's safer. This narrative has taken hold and allows the American public to be rallied against imaginary threats and keeps crooked people in power.