We in South Africa are currently going through so many cases of violence, rape and death. Some days we seem to be almost immune to how dreadful our society can be. We are listed as one of the most violent societies in the world.
After the recent arrest of a sportsman for the murder of his girlfriend, one of the commentaries from a man in a high position stated that she must have “deserved it” for annoying him.
I know we are not the only society that holds humans and their lives so cheaply (especially women’s and children’s lives) but that does not make it ok.
There is a picture circulating on Facebook and in online newspapers; taken through a rifle sight. Of a young boy’s head in the cross hairs. There is argument over who took it, but it is chilling enough, when posted online from someone in a military snipers unit.
When I read of atrocities committed I always wonder how these people could have done these acts, what can make a human feel they can hurt, degrade, kill another living being. Yet I know I could probably kill to protect those I love if they were attacked. I am not sure I could kill to protect myself.
When someone uses the insanity plea when caught, I know they are talking the truth, you have to be insane to do those things.
But how does a nice caring and loving man become the killer in a military force? What on earth happens?
I know my father would seldom talk of his experiences during WW II. The occasional funny story of someone on a messenger motorcycle doing something silly. But generally a changing of the subject if any questions came up. He was essentially a kind and gentle man, with everyone.
Maybe I am just an old flower child, wishing the world would run on peace and love?
Viewfromtheside's Blog 
Oh, Sidey, you’ve said it all. I have heard it said by many that Africa holds life very cheap. I think it is true.
We do, and it is not right
Many of us wish that, Sidey, but the world will never change unless our peace and love lead us to care for the very poorest.
John
I think we have a long way to go before humans are humane
I have noticed the threatening replies on Twitter, seemingly emanating from S.Africa, to any criticism of Pistorius or Steenkamp. It’s a shame the country has such a violent reputation.
At present it is early days in the trial. The information versus the runours have yet to be sifted out.
The cops have found needles and steroids, and apparently illegal ammunition. It all is dreadful. My sympathy is with the dead girl and her family at present. I’m not too sure about him, the stories don’t seem to match up.
What about mankind’s dark side?
it is there!
Maybe you are a flower child, maybe…….nothing wrong with that I think. I don’t lock my doors of my house, so I wonder am I in denial or being careless or just not willing to cave in to fear.
An where I live is not immune to atrocities either. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Victoria_Stafford
we lock up carefully, even in a complex like mine with a security fence etc
Some of the reactions are indeed as tragic as the event itself. The biased, the misguided, the stupid, and the just-plain-evil brought out of the woodwork by it do make one very depressed.
evil loves evil, doesn’t it?
I am as baffled as you, SIdey. As you say: evil loves evil.
Baffled and sad really
Scratch the surface of any civilisation and chaos and carnage will be revealed.
I lived there so I know what you are talking of, but we have it here, too. We just don’t have as many weapons. Yet.
I think the veneer is very thin, non-existent in some places
“Maybe I am just an old flower child, wishing the world would run on peace and love?”
If so, count me in too.
Counting….
I’m with you Sidey, I would share love and kindness was our driving force 🙂
definitely