Violence: a deep social crisis

THE growth of violence in our society is neither a transitory trend nor an accident. It reflects a deep social crisis. In the last two decades, incidents of violence have tremendously increased and have become more heinous. A recent survey has shown that the number of gun-shot wounds in America is eight times more than in Europe, and a 100 times more than in Asia.

The massacre in Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, is the result of a decline in social values. But it could have been triggered by the events in Yugoslavia, where violence is promoted and an ugly war is presented as a high-tech impersonal expedition.

If we analyse the causes of this growing violence, certain factors stand out. In the last two decades, family structure has become very weak. About 50 per cent marriages end in divorce. Each member has his or her own social circle. Many families have just one parent. Others have children from previous marriages. It is very difficult for the children in these families to understand their relationship with one another.

Many studies have shown that children coming from broken families are more likely to indulge in violence and are less likely to be successful in life. Family is the basic unit of society which lays the foundation for moral and cultural values. If families become unstable so does the whole society.

Television has played a role in promoting the culture of violence. On an average, a child watches TV four to five hours a day, leaving little time for social interaction. Thus, their social values do not develop. They remain self-centred, and a sick mentality can develop. Many programmes promote violence. They present the facts in a sensational manner for commercial exploitation, though knowing that it may harm society. Like television, movies make violence more acceptable, and even glorify it.

Computers can prove more dangerous than television and movies. With no interaction between the people appearing on TV screens and viewers, there is a passive effect on the latter’s minds. But in the case of computers, there is an active interaction. In addition to entertainment, they also provide companionship. So, people develop a relationship with their computer. Human relationships demand something, whereas a relationship with a computer is always one-sided. It is always giving something without asking for anything. This situation encourages unrealistic expectations.

Television, movies and computers make people more sedentary. They exercise less and their bodies release fewer endorphins. Endorphins help keep people calm. People must learn to properly take rest and relax. Rest does not mean physical rest alone. It also involves mental rest. Adequate rest helps the release of endorphins, which relaxes and rejuvenates us.

But a lack of endorphins is a contributing factor to mental stress, of which the major causes are family and work. Diet can also reduce endorphin release. It has been observed that eating meat encourages violent behaviour. Too much fats makes blood thicker, which reduces circulation to the brain. This hampers endorphin release, thereby promoting violent tendency.

Arrogance and intolerance of diversity also promote violence. We have to learn to tolerate and accept the differences among us. The differences could be racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, political etc. If the students of Columbine were taught this simple fact, perhaps this great tragedy could have been avoided.

Unless we are willing to properly address the fundamental causes of the growing culture of violence, there can be many more massacres. Manipulating the statistics in a self-serving manner will not change the fact that violence in our society is growing.

(DR) SAWRAJ SINGH
Ellensburg (USA)

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World war in July?

According to Prof Wille Breytenbach, a South African political scientist (April 28), World War III will break out in July from the Balkans. It will last seven months, ending in victory for US-led NATO as per the prediction of French seer Nostradamus.

How Nostradamus worked out the date for the end of the world is difficult to say. In many ways, he can be described as the millennium man, believing that the world will come to an end in 2000 AD, or may be, in 3000 A.D.

He lived for 62 years, six months and seven days and died at Salon in 1566. His predictions have it that AIDS will be the most dangerous disease all over the world in the 20th century, Rajiv Gandhi will be assassinated, World War III will break out in July, 1999, etc. In fact, he has given his predictions in the form of quatrains which commentators find it difficult to interpret. Some of his predictions have not come to be true.

V.P. RATTAN
Panchkula

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Army operations

This is with reference to Mr Pritam Bhullar’s article, “Casualties in Army operations” (April 29).

Of late, uncalled for and unsavoury observations have been made about the quality of our young officers. Having served in training institutions, including the Indian Military Academy, I feel these observations are biased and groundless. Our present crop of young officers, to say the least, are thoroughly professional and ambitious. They have an innate desire to excel. They proved their worth in 1965, 1971 and the operations in Sri Lanka.

It is a matter of regret that the so-called premier educational institutions have failed to motivate their students to opt for the profession of arms. It should, however, not be a matter of concern as Defence Services can do without super brats. Selection standards have not been lowered and, as such, the quality of officers is in no way diluted.

As per normal teaching, commanders should so position themselves that they are able to influence the battle. This generally does not work. To ensure the success of an operation, be it in a low intensity war or an all-out war, the famous dictum “Follow me” works and there is no alternative to it. Not only the presence of appropriate commanders is necessary, but they must also be visible to troops and lead them.

It is incorrect to insinuate that it amounts to snatching the legitimate responsibilities of JCOs/NCOs. During the 1971 war it revealed that Pakistani commanders believed in remote control command. After the war, a number of Pakistani JCOs said that if they had the likes of Indian Army officers as their commanders, the Pakistani army could never be defeated!

Brig A.S. BRAR (RETD)
Jalandhar