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The Forum > Article Comments > Why are humans being violent? > Comments

Why are humans being violent? : Comments

By Robert Burrowes, published 8/8/2012

With humans violence begets violence, literally, starting in childhood.

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...And not a mention of "Christ", the supreme pacifist. Is that omission an outcome of the common view, that religion is seen as a cause and effect of global violence?

...The authors theory which "plies the lie", pacification of children is best achieved by "sparing the rod", is also highly debatable I would think: But simply put, children thrive on love and affection which is given genuinely; this imperative to success and happiness must result in a non-violent child...or does it, in a violent world: Or does it simply set-up the pacifist child as an item to be protected from the world, by ever increasing laws which prohibit violence to one "set" by enacting violence of the State on another "set"?

..IMO though, one can not argue that the author deserves congratulations on his personal mission of pacifism, which has often come at great cost to himself over the years.
Posted by diver dan, Wednesday, 8 August 2012 9:56:30 AM
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I agree with a statement made by a Mr David Kennedy "With the growth of technology, education has turned more and more to utilitarian ends in most of the fields of human endeavour, moving away from philosophical speculation on the nature of life and its inter-relationships, despite its importance. We are now immmersed in a 'technological reality', ways of controlling life, nature, and human beliefs. So we are back to brainwashing and the destruction of that fine purpose of education in fostering free and independent thought and the grand irony of education destroying itself."

We live in a society that is plugged into a "matrix" and our minds are reflective of the mainstream media, current misinformation at that MSM level and misinformation from governments, commercial and industrial interests and the myriad of other 'interests' out there that push a particular agenda that is often so distant from reality, nature and normality that it is not surprising we are raising more and more violet people who think that their actions are somehow 'normal'.
Posted by Geoff of Perth, Wednesday, 8 August 2012 10:45:46 AM
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Humans are innately violent. It comes with the genes. This trait may well be made worse by the social conditioning that each child receives.

However, as a child, I was punished at home with a smack when I was naughty and caned nearly every day at school (for talking). Despite this, I am a pacifist and strongly anti-war!

We live in a world where SELF is encouraged. Most people spend their life catering for SELF. In a world where we need to be considerate of others if we are to survive as a species, putting SELF first is very counterproductive (but not to Oligarchs, Corporations and Politicians who exploit humans using this trait).

I disagree with many of the points in this article.
Posted by David G, Wednesday, 8 August 2012 11:23:33 AM
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Robert

Look, I don't mean this unkindly, but have you caught up with the extensive research indicating that the levels of inter-personal violence have declined dramatically in recent decades? They have constructed indicies of murder rates since the middle ages and they have been declining (albeit increasing slightly in more recent times).

You may also have noted aother indications such as the decline in popularity of boxing, and a drop in the number of on-field assaults in the likes of Aussie rules Football - albeit for reasons to do with the professionalisation of the sport.

As a start why not read the book 'Farewell to Alms' (no, not the Hemmingway book - note the spelling of the last word) which discusses this trend and puts forward a genetic explanation for it. There has been some discussion of it.

As for your main thesis we should draw a distinction between socialisation of children, which results in much less violence later on, and brutalisation, which is what you are thinking of. In considering this topic you may care to read up on stories of the 30s and 40s, say, with depict surprisng levels of interpersonal violence.

As for the bit about warfare, you did realise the number of armed conflicts had been declining? There are groups that track these things. There was a distinct peak after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, from memory, and now the number and severity of military conflicts are declining.
Posted by Curmudgeon, Wednesday, 8 August 2012 5:07:03 PM
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Whether you believe in Creation or Evolution - the fact remains that 'violence' is not only a human trait but also found in virtually all animal species.

A certain amount of aggression is likely essential for survival and like every other aspect of a persons make up, some have far more than others. This would account for the oftimes vast differences in behaviour and personality of children born to and raised by the same parents. It would also account for children being reared using "non-violent parenting methods" who have no inhibitions about physically assaulting their peers or even adults.

While children brought up with violence - as in brutality, not the occasional slap on the bum as aptly applied discipline, may well act likewise, this is by no means a given. Nor that the child reared in all gentleness will perpetuate the same. Certainly if we're to reduce levels of true violence in this world, children must be taught and be expected to conform to social standards. While they are learning about their rights, they must also be taught their responsibilities.

Also while violence can beget violence, just as frequently violence works against itself.. Early memory of my brother who had a habit of biting, sometimes when frustrated, tired or provoked, othertimes for devilment. My duty to protect younger siblings had been drummed into me so I'd never really retaliated until Mother, frustrated and embarassed by his behaviour decided he should be bitten back and instructed me to do so. She'd tried words, smacks, time out (locked in the bathroom) but now it was bite and be bitten. I bit him twice, that was it - he never bit me again. Don't think Mum had to bite him too many times either. I do remember her biting him because he bit the poor cat, him crying and her saying "Now you know how it feels ..." He quit the behaviour pretty fast.

Robert Burrowes world would be nice but in reality it's another planet (and species?) altogether methinks.
Posted by divine_msn, Wednesday, 8 August 2012 11:04:41 PM
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divine_msn

Quite right. Violence is rightly to be deplored but there are some instances where it can end a sea of troubles at little cost.

Another useful instance is jail. Although I have never been to jail I have been to a boys school (which shares some characteristics with a jail, as I understand it). If you are bullied in such places a non-violent approach is asking for real trouble. But if you make it clear you won't stand any nonsense once, then there is no need to do anything again, usually. Non-violence is asking for violence in such places.
Posted by Curmudgeon, Wednesday, 8 August 2012 11:28:36 PM
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