Abuse

I read the news over the Internet about half an hour ago. The news that I chose to read was from The Star. Something I read intrigued me very much. If you would like to know why, refer to Girl: Teacher Punched Me and Student Beaten By School Bullies

Such issues often make me ponder about what has happened to mankind. Have we become more civilised? Or are we moving back to the days of pre-history? Now that we are living in cities and houses, are we going back to the days where human beings used to live on trees and in caves?

It is indeed very difficult to actually fathom what is in the minds of those people who abuse others. In my context, "others" refer not only to fellow humans, but also to animals. What is so satisfying about beating up other people? Where is humanity? Is humanity all the while just a plain talk? We have spoken about human and even animal rights, but nothing seems to be helping in curbing the issue of abuse.

Is there nothing t hat can be solved through negotiations? Why must violence be involved? Have the individuals who carry out the abuse thought of the consequences that can affect both the "abusor" and the "abusee"? What sort of satisfaction is either party getting?

I would say it is obvious that the moral values that the older generation practised and passed down to us have not been upheld. These people who abuse others have no sense of compassion, pity and definitely no rationality in them. Just because of a mere refusal, these people have gone into berserk, beating up and punching people unmercifully.

Nevertheless, have I seen anything done by both the public and the government to prevent abuse? It may seem as if it is a tough and daunting task to actually curb abuse, but if nothing is done, is our society going to be full of these barbarians sooner or later? As far as I'm concerned, have I seen abuse preventing campaigns been carried out? Is the public aware and keen about the abuse issue?

Right, all the talk is of no use if we do not walk the talk. So what are we, as loyal citizens, to do? First of all, we must realise our basic rights. Nobody has the right to be subjected to any form of torture. When I say torture, I don't refer to parents or teachers beating up the children for the sake of disciplining them. I am a person who strictly believe in using the rod, because of the following proverb, "Spare the rod and spoil the child". I believe that it is definitely all right for the parents and teachers to use the cane on the children if they are found to have broken any school rules or if they have misbehaved. Nevertheless, there must be a limit when using the cane. When a child or student has to be caned, only do so on the buttocks or on the hands. Slapping, knocking the child's head or pinching should be forbidden as it might cause more damage to the child than is required.

Next, as wary citizens, we should not turn a blind eye when someone is being abused. It is only our duty to report to the police or, if in a desperate situation, interfere with the abuse and stop it yourself (but bear in mind that the situation may turn ugly). Never remain as just a bystander.

Nevertheless, the police force must be co-operative as well. When a abuse report is made, quick and prompt action must be taken to save the victim of abuse before it is too late. Never delay in sending out a team of police to the abuse scene to investigate whatever is happening. If the victim of abuse is identified, then the person who is allegedly caught guilty of abuse must be apprehended.

Parents must not give their children absolute freedom in whatever they do. Children must be disciplined at home and parents must tell them to abide the law at all times. Parents must always bear in mind that the type of upbringing of a child will determine what type of person the child will be when he is an adult. Allowing them to wander about the streets, giving them the total freedom to mix around in society may be a fatal mistake for the child. It is doubtless that the child can mix around with whoever he or she likes, but it is the parents' responsible to find out what sort of friends are their child or children making. They must know whether the children are in good or bad company. Do not let them mix with the bad ones for long. As parents, they must bring the children back to the correct path.

It is saddening that such issues are increasing in quantity. For the past year or so, gangsterism has been the main concern of all schools in the country. When will people ever learn that law does not favour those who go against it? Only time will tell.