RE: What Does Justice Look Like?
Thanks for the well thought out reply @fionasfavourites. I wasn't expecting one so well arranged. I need to point out, from the outset, that neither Matt not myself created the Mall's Balls. They are a sculpture that have been there for 41 years or so, so I don't think the motivation was personal, at least not against either of us.
I would also qualify graffiti as the horrible tagging that we see around the place - words, slogans and the such, as opposed to the 'street art' that tends to be commissioned by governments or councils - those large murals that ordain walls in alleyways, and the such.
There seems to be a great deal wrong with society and the way we see justice delivered. I for one struggle to let the whole eye for an eye thing go. Other parents, not so much. My family were having lunch a week ago, in a shopping centre, and my son's standing by his chair, eating a sushi, when some random kid walked up to him and punched him in the stomach. I didn't see it occur because I was helping my daughter with something, but my wife challenged his mother, who seemed quite non-perplexed by the incident, and 'tried' to get him to apologise to my son. But to no avail.
So now, I need to teach my son that it's not okay for someone to walk up to you and punch you in the stomach, yet if I had've found that kid and his parents, once I'd discovered what had happened, I'd have been the bad guy for throwing a curry in his face. Go figure.
I find that justice is rewarded to the innocent by those who feel the most guilty at the time. Our governments have a semblance of what they think should be justice, but it doesn't help those who are really in need of it. It simply exists to keep the majority quiet. So, providing you're willing to be on the receiving end of violent crime, or something similar, you will probably get to experience justice of some kind.
Ah, @steveblucher, I misread - I realised that you were not the architect, and misunderstood your reference to Matt, so yes, most definitely not personal.
What a horrible experience for your family and particularly your son. That behaviour is most definitely not ok, and nor was his mother's response. In your shoes, I'd also be chucking a curry in his face. Actually, it strikes me that if you really wanted to do something, that was assault. A criminal offence, no? And don't tell me you that a) children are not capable of criminal behaviour or that b) you can't charge children with criminal offences... Having been involved with the street children movement in the 80's - about which I've written a couple of time and most recently in my last post but two - I know that. And had to deal with both wrongful charges and chldren doing criminal things....
Yes, trying to teach the "do-as-you-would-be-done-by" lesson rather than perpetuating the "do-as-was-done-to-you" reality is the really hard thing, isn't it?
I think that you are so right about justice being rewarded as you say. However, justice is also served on those who can afford it. As I have learned, the law is not fair. The law is the law. That means justice is not fair either, complicated by the motives that drive it and it can be government and sometimes, public sentiment. Actually, there is an interesting case underway in SA at the moment - currently postponed - and where the defence attorney has asked the judge to recuse himself because of perceived bias. It's a very sensitive case involving human trafficking and rape. Swirling public opinions and sentiment. The spat between the judge and the attorney is what's caused the postponement. It's going to be interesting so see how that pans out.
If you're interested, Google the Omotoso trial. I don't necessarily advise it though. Very harrowing.
On that note, g'day!
I'll have a look at the trial you mentioned - while it might be harrowing, it is still something of an insight into human nature. Interesting that a spat between the judge and an attorney is what caused a postponement. It must've been somewhat of a disagreement. You don't really hear of this sort of thing all that often.
There is a huge disconnect between the behaviours that we want to see our children display, and what the law thinks is appropriate, and unfortunately, not too many people these days want to be held accountable for their actions. With a legal system that on one hand says someone must be responsible, but then with the other hand deals out piss-weak retribution, how are we supposed to react? It's no wonder society is quick to blame someone else. We are headed for dangerous waters, if we haven't already found them.
Accountability, whilst preached from any legal system in the world is quickly becoming a pipe dream. I'm not sure how it is in SA, but here, give someone a honk for cutting you off at a Stop sign, and they have the gall to give you the finger!?! In what world do I get in trouble for someone else not following the road rules!?
South Africa, I am sad to say, has become very litigious. This is not the first time this has happened. That said, I am going to be very interested to see how this unfolds. The matter is going to the Constitutional Court - the country's apex court.
And on your last two points: I cannot disagree. Both seem to be world wide phenomena.
Have a good week.
PS. Sorry about the cricket. Not. ;)
LOL! Cricket... I should care more, but it's cricket!!
You should read some of the articles that are coming out at the moment about the Aussie cricketers - you'd think they murdered someone. (the ball tamperers are getting curry, but can't deal with it!!)