Verbal violence

http://www.mercatornet.com/sheila_liaugminas/view/6626/

Verbal violence
Sheila Liaugminas | 17 Feb 2010 |

We're in a bout of unusual Press introspection again, because someone High Up mis-spoke, and touched off another war of words.

There is a long tradition of religious and moral reflection on the words we choose to speak. According to the Hebrew scriptures, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Jesus of Nazareth argued, “It is not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”

Some things just need to be said, and that pull-quote is the perfect summary of this WaPo opinion piece that speaks volumes about the war of ideas behind the war of words, with the ultimate casualties being humans and human dignity.

There is not an exact correlation between vileness of speech and vileness of character, but there is a rough correlation. Words such as the r-word and the n-word often reveal aggression, contempt and hatred. They are a form of verbal violence. In these cases, what [Professor Christopher] Fairman calls “self-censorship” is really kindness and moral judgment. And what he regards as free expression is just rude, abusive and cruel.

Boys who see porn more likely to harass girls

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6999874.ece

January 24, 2010
Boys who see porn more likely to harass girls
Maurice Chittenden and Matthew Holehouse

BOYS exposed to porn are more likely to indulge in casual sex and less likely to form successful relationships when they grow older, according to research carried out in a dozen countries.

The report, Harms of Pornography Exposure Among Children and Young People, also found that young boys who see pornography are more inclined to believe there is nothing wrong with pinning down or sexually harassing a girl.

Michael Flood, who carried out the study at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, said: “There is compelling evidence from around the world that pornography has negative effects on individuals and communities.

“We know it is shaping sexual knowledge. Some people may think that is good. But porn is a very poor sex educator because it shows sex in unrealistic ways and fails to address intimacy, love, connection or romance. Often it is quite callous and hostile in its depictions of women.

“It doesn’t mean that every young person is going out to rape somebody but it does increase the likelihood that will happen.”

Research in the UK suggests that 60% of boys under 16 have been exposed to pornography, accidentally or deliberately. The average age at which they first saw porn has dropped from 15 to 11 in less than a decade. The average amount of time they watch porn on the internet is 90 minutes a week.

John Carr, an adviser to the government and secretary of the Children’s Charities’ Coalition on Internet Safety (CHIS), said: “We had a case in west London where a boy in the first year of primary school was bringing pictures to school and was acting them out in the playground during the break. When they did a home visit the dad was downloading it and it was all over the house.

“It is not an argument for banning it but it is an argument to find better ways to make it harder for kids to get hold of it.”

Such is the international spread of porn through the internet that youngsters in Asian and African countries see blonde white women on screen and then regard tourists with the same attributes as sex objects, Flood says.

However, Thaddeus Birchard, a psychotherapist who runs a sex addiction practice in London, said: “We are entering a period of moral panic and this is part of it. Children are not receiving sex education at home. Sexually explicit material on the net can even help educate them.

“The internet is a way of being sexually addicted but it does not cause the addiction. What causes it is the relationship between the child and their parents. Almost always they are maternally deprived.”

Petra Boynton, a psychologist, said: “Children are not necessarily looking at porn for gratification. They are doing so because they are bored and not supervised. Often when children look at more extreme porn it is done for bravado so they can laugh and say how disgusting it is.”

Saudi girl, 13, sentenced to 90 lashes after she took a mobile phone to school

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1244689/Saudi-girl-13--sentenced-90-lashes-took-mobile-phone-school.html#ixzz0dDNfSojJ

Daily Mail
Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:01 EST

A 13-year-old Saudi schoolgirl is to be given 90 lashes in front of her classmates after she was caught with a mobile camera phone.

The girl, who has not been named, was also sentenced to two months in jail by a court in the eastern city of Jubail.

She had assaulted her headmistress after being caught with the gadget which is banned in girl schools, said Al-Watan, a Saudi newspaper. The kingdom's use of such punishments has been widely condemned by human rights organisations.

Three years ago 16 schoolchildren, aged between 12 and 18, were each sentenced to between 300 and 500 lashes for being aggressive to a teacher.

Under Saudi's Sharia or Islamic law, flogging is mandatory for a number of moral offences such as adultery or being alone in the company of an unrelated person of the opposite sex. But it can also be used at the discretion of judges as an alternative or in addition to other punishments.

Al-Watan said a court in the northeastern Gulf port of Jubail had sentenced the girl to 90 lashes inside her school, followed by two months' detention.

The punishment is harsher than that dished out to some robbers and looters.

Saudi Arabia, a leading US ally in the Middle East, is an absolute monarchy controlled by the Al-Saud ruling tribe, and lacks any legal code.

Cinemas and music concerts are banned, while many restaurants and even some shopping centres cater to families only, especially on holidays.

Religious police roam streets to make sure no unrelated men and women mix.

The Saudi court system is exclusively controlled Wahahbi/Salafi clerics, and bans the employment of non-Salafi citizens, especially as judges.

Saudi Arabia is the world's leading country in the use of torture-by-flogging, public beheadings and publically crucifying condemned prisoners.

The country crucified two people in 2009, including one in the capital Riyadh during President Barak Obama's visit last April.

In September, 20 Saudi teenagers who ransacked shops and restaurants were publicly flogged.

Newspapers reported that the teenagers received at least 30 lashes each in a public square.

Most of the hijackers in the September 11 attacks in 2001 came from Saudi Arabia.

Through our faith, we must conquer violent impulses

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2010867837_junejo23m.html?syndication=rss

Friday, January 22, 2010 - Page updated at 09:25 PM
Through our faith, we must conquer violent impulses | Faith & Values columnist
By Aziz Junejo
Special to The Seattle Times

The recent killings of six law-enforcement officers, of a Seattle mother and her baby, and of countless others over the past few months remind me how essential it is for good people of all faiths to work harder to promote nonviolence and encourage respect for human life.

Muslims believe human life is sacred and that the primary and most basic right of human beings is the right to live.

The glorious Quran says:

... If anyone slays a human being — unless it be [in punishment] for murder or for spreading corruption in the land — it shall be as though he had slain all mankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all mankind.

— Quran 5:32

Muslims believe the first act of bloodshed on earth involved Qabil (Cain) and Habil (Abel). Their story of anger, jealousy and murder teaches us about the horrible consequences of unbridled human emotion.
The covenant between God and mankind is rife with reminders that life is God's divine gift to us. The precept "Thou shalt not kill" is well established in civil laws around the world and confirmed in the holy scriptures of Muslims, Christians and Jews.

Unfortunately, the entertainment industry has glamorized murder in violent movies and video games such as "Grand Theft Auto," in which players decapitate police officers and use sniper rifles to kill.

Many people believe this game, in particular, caused a teen to kill in our own country. Devin Moore, 18, had no criminal history. In 2003, after playing "Grand Theft Auto" for hundreds of hours, he killed three people in Alabama: two police officers and a 911 dispatcher.

All of society suffers when there is a murder, because the psychological well-being of everyone is permanently damaged. We fear for our safety. We distrust our fellow citizens.

It is true that everyone gets angry. Anger is a natural part of being human. But we must learn how to manage anger in safe and healthy ways. When we familiarize ourselves with and practice techniques to control and avoid anger, we benefit our families, communities and, ultimately, society.

In Islam, the required regular prayer helps. Among other things, prayer serves as a simple relaxation tool that reduces stress and enables us to have quiet time with the creator, seeking strength through patience. Relying solely on God for ultimate justice is a great way to manage anger, and it puts us at peace with family, friends and fellow citizens.

It is everyone's calling to be a peacemaker in some way, by fostering harmony at home and on the job, and by advocating nonviolence and dialogue to resolve conflicts. Former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt spoke of this universal responsibility in a Nov. 11, 1951, Voice of America broadcast when our country was fighting a war in Korea:

It isn't enough to talk about peace, one must believe it. And it isn't enough to believe in it, one must work for it.

Genocides in places such as Bosnia, Rwanda and Cambodia are harsh reminders that senseless killing can and does still happen in our time. We must pay attention to such tragedies and use them to strengthen our commitment to peace and to fostering mutual respect and tolerance for people of different beliefs, lifestyles and cultures.

From the beginning of human existence, killing has been considered immoral and unlawful by God, the creator of life. Suppressing anger when we have the power to show it is a real sign of self-restraint; it is a quality to be admired and aspired to.

While consoling those victimized by violence, let us all become instruments of peace by strengthening our resolve to cherish life.

Islam, like all the Abrahamic faiths, advocates the fundamental message of peace and tolerance, in which human life is treasured and must always be protected.

Aziz Junejo is host of "Focus on Islam," a weekly cable-television show, and a frequent speaker on Islam. Readers may

send feedback to faithcolumns@seattletimes.com.

Is hating violence a hate crime?

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Is-hating-violence-a-hate-by-Recce1-100106-376.html

January 8, 2010
By Recce1

The NYT article Hate Begets Hate (NYT Editorial 01-04-2010) (OpEdNews 01-05-2010) fairly describes the widespread violence against homosexuals in Uganda. However, its claim about the anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 in Uganda is disingenuous at best.

As reported by Scott Lively, "the proposed death penalty in the bill, just one of many provisions, is for "aggravated homosexuality," which is actually pederasty, pedophilia, homosexual parent/child incest, homosexual abuse of a disabled ward, and knowingly spreading AIDS." (AIM Column 01-04-2010, NAMBLA-gate: The Strange Case of Kevin Jennings, Part One) That's quite different from the implications of the NYT's editorial, which was by the way not signed. Could it seem that those who oppose the death penalty in the Act support pedophilia, homosexual rape, incest, rape of mentally disabled, and the spreading of AIDS? I not only would hope not but also think not. But perhaps they're just ignorant of the provisions of the Act, maybe willing so.

However, part of the unjustified overreaction against many homosexuals in Uganda is due to the history of homosexuality in Uganda. Perhaps people should look up the history of 19th century homosexual Ugandan King Mwanga who persecuted and killed Christians and was a violent pedophile. (NYT 01-12-1898) As reported in wanderingcaravan-bronzebuckaroo.blogspot.com 09-10-2007, "Historical records indicate that between 1885-1886, recently converted Anglican Christian young men were put to death by King Mwanga II of Buganda (now Uganda) for turning to conservative Christian doctrine and subsequently refusing sexual relations with him." All this despite the fact that King Mwanga was a Muslim. But then Muslims have used rape, both heterosexual and homosexual to degrade infidels. (islam-watch.org 08-01-2006) Then there's the problem of European and American activists trying to bring back homosexual domination of the country. (AIM 01-04-2010)

Nevertheless, one wrong doesn't justify another. Strong laws against sexual violence whether it be homosexual or heterosexual are justified. But bigotry and violence against law abiding people are not. As Lively implied, let's hope that the Act is modified so as to not be overly broad. Rape, incest, pedophilia, and the intentional spreading of diseases no matter what one's sexual inclinations should be strongly opposed by all moral people. I hope that's what the NYT was really advocating.

Afghanistan's Forgotten Women

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1258880814692&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout

Mon. Dec. 7, 2009
Afghanistan's Forgotten Women

"Eight years after the fall of the Taliban, Afghan women continue to be among the worst off in the world," says the report. (Reuters)

CAIRO — Violence against Afghan women is "endemic" and the government is not doing much to protect them, the Human Rights Watch said in a new report.

"Eight years after the fall of the Taliban, Afghan women continue to be among the worst off in the world," said the report posted on the HRW's website.

"Their situation is dismal in every area, including in health, education, employment, freedom from violence, equality before the law, and political participation."

The report, "We Have the Promises of the World: Women's Rights in Afghanistan", details cases of rights violations against women.

"Women in public life are subject to routine threats and intimidation.

"Several high profile women have been assassinated, but their killers have not been brought to justice."

Read HRW Report (Document)
Sitara Achakzai, an outspoken rights activist and politician, was murder last April and the government has so far not arrested any of the perpetrators.
"[This creates] an environment of impunity for those who target women," the HRW said.

It added that physical and sexual violence against women are still rife in Afghanistan.

"One nationwide survey of levels of violence against Afghan women found that 52 percent of respondents experienced physical violence, and 17 percent reported sexual violence," it said.

"Yet because of social and legal obstacles to accessing justice, few women and girls report violence to the authorities."

The report cites the case of a woman who was gang raped by a group that included a powerful local militia commander.

Although she fought to have her rapists prosecuted, they were subsequently pardoned by the West-backed President Hamid Karzai.

Later, her husband was assassinated.

The United Nations said last week that violence and rape against women in Afghanistan was a problem of "profound proportions".

Forgotten

HRW said that though girl education was the declared main goal of the Kabul government and its foreign donors, girls have far less access to schools than boys.

"The majority of girls still do not attend primary school," said the report.

"A dismal 11 percent of secondary-school-age girls are enrolled in grades seven through nine. Only 4 percent of girls make it to grades 10 through 12."

The international rights watchdog said many girls are prodded into arranged and forced marriages.

"Surveys suggest that in more than half of all marriages, the wives are under age 16, and 70 to 80 percent of marriages take place without the consent of the woman or girl."

HRW accused the West and the Kabul government of failing to improve the conditions of Afghan women since the ouster of Taliban in 2001.

"While the plight of women and girls under the Taliban was used to help justify the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, women's rights have not been a consistent priority of the government or its international backers."

The US invaded Afghanistan to topple the Taliban regime, which was accused of violating women rights.

Eight years, many believe the West has failed to put the country on the path of progress as promised.

"Women are not a priority for our own government or the international community," MP Shinkai Karokhail told the HRW.

"We've been forgotten."

SPECULATING ON SENSELESS ACTS OF VIOLENCE

http://www.wendymcelroy.com/news.php?extend.2920

SPECULATING ON SENSELESS ACTS OF VIOLENCE
Wendy McElroy - Tuesday 08 December 2009

Why does a normal person suddenly snap and commit acts of violence that appear to be senseless? For example, why did Major Nidal Hasan decide one day to shoot and kill 13 of his fellow soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas?

It is reassuring to dismiss the assumption that the person was normal to begin with. Typically, journalists and psychiatrists rummage around the person’s history, collecting life-details like a traumatic childhood, a drinking habit or terrible shyness around women. But next to no one would appear normal if their lives were held under microscopic scrutiny and, yet, shooting sprees are rare. If a person without a record of violence is normal enough to hold down a responsible job, etc., then the question should not be dismissed due to the presence of emotional problems that most of us have at some time.

So why does a statistically normal person suddenly snap? (BTW, it is annoyingly necessary for anyone who seriously explores the question to state clearly…”I am not apologizing for nor justifying in any way acts of violence.” Quite the contrary. I need to understand where such horrifying violence comes from so that, perhaps, it can be prevented.)

A specific set of circumstances seem to be a common theme. They include:

1) A personal injustice has been committed against the individual. With Hasan, I suspect he thought American soldiers were murdering people like him (Muslims) and he could not stand the imminent prospect of being forced to serve in Afghanistan – that is, of being forced to participate in the slaughter. The more personal the injustice, the more likely the eruption of violence. Frankly, this is an aspect of anti-male bias in the family court system that worries me. Good fathers are often stripped of all access to children they adore and, yet, at the same they are forced to pay ruinous, unreasonable child support. I frequently receive emails from fathers who are ½ heartbroken, ½ enraged…all of whom feel so helpless that they are writing to a stranger (me).

2) An inability to rectify the injustice through non-violent means. Often the person has gone through the court system – spending immense time, money and emotional reserves – only to be dismissed or further victimized. In the case of alienated fathers, the court system itself is the enemy. The person comes to believe “there is no justice” and, so, stops looking for fairness. The injustice has to be both big and blinding enough for the person to be unable to ‘move on.’

3) The injustice is continuous. That is to say, it does not happen once or twice but becomes an integral part of daily life and, so, it is impossible to “wait out” or avoid. I suspect the situation is similar to that in which people commit suicide; they lose all perspective and no longer have the ability to see a future that isn’t defined by “the blackness.” Indeed, in becoming a ‘shooter’ instead of committing suicide, the person may be expressing the opposite extreme reaction to the same devastating bleakness. But they direct the rage outward rather than in.

4) Factors that would restrain an act of violence are absent. When a person opens fire at a school, workplace etc., he demonstrates a willingness to throw away the rest of his life in exchange for one brief episode. A person who has something positive to live for – a child, a spouse, a cause – will not make that trade-off.

5) There is a sense of collective guilt directed at those who are targeted for violence. No one except a sociopath will kill people he views as innocent. A ‘shooter’ will target fellow-students who have tormented him…even if the specific students shot are strangers; to him, all are responsible for his misery, not merely the individual students he knows. Or all women. Or all soldiers, etc.

The foregoing is speculation, of course. Like most people, I do not really understand so-called ‘senseless’ acts of violence. But we are fast becoming a less civil, more violent society in which injustice is rampant and often committed by the institutions (police, courts) that are allegedly there to protect us. “There is no justice”…is an increasingly pervasive attitude. Which makes me think acts of ‘senseless’ violence will become more common. I intend to stretch my limited capacity to understand them as far as I can.