Posted by Dinah on May 8, 2003, at 8:36:39
In reply to Disturbing news., posted by Questionmark on May 8, 2003, at 2:38:49
I'm not sure that this will make your outlook any better, but it's my opinion that rampant cruelty is nothing new in this world. If anything, society is probably less tolerant of it now.
It wasn't all that long ago that that sort of behavior towards people of a different race or sexual orientation was tacitly accepted by the general population. Hazing of kids was just as bad. Tormenting children who were a bit different was just "kids being kids". There were no classes for kids on conflict resolution or sensitivity training.
And, as I've said before, it hasn't been that long in the scheme of things since a public flogging or execution was a nice family event. Pack a lunch, bring granny and the kids, and cheer on the execution.
Not to even mention the ethnic and religious hatreds going on for milennia up to and including today, where atrocities are commonplace.
I think it says something good about our society today that that story *was* news.
Bullying is my own special cause, and I've done tons of research. I know that in no time on earth has it been given the attention and concern it is being given today.
May the trend continue.
poster:Dinah
thread:225045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030506/msgs/225070.html