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ch.oo.lo
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Toe is in the water |
Location: Michigan, USA
Registered: August 2003
Messages: 49
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In my English class yesterday, we were talking about the Scarlet Letter and comparing some aspects of the Puritans to people nowadays. One of the things she commented on the was fact that the Puritans put the 'A' on Hester (for adultery) because, back then, life wasn't about the individual it was about the society as a whole and the individual's punishment also had to involve the rest of the town. Ms. Ross asked if we thought that this was necessary or even in existence today, most people said no. Then she asked if we had heard about the recent court decision regarding child molesters. You know, the one that says whenever they move into a new neighborhood, a letter must be sent out to all of the neighbors informing them that there is a registered sex offender living in the vacinity; OR the man (or woman) has to go door to door with a police officer letting everyone know what he's done so that they can see his face.
Two questions: 1) Despite the fact that Americans pride themselves on being different and better, in some ways, than the people of the past, is this not the same thing that the Puritans did?; 2) Do you think this is fair/just?
-Jeanne
( And in case you were wondering the other thing we discussed was that when adultery was committed, the Puritans would punish both the man and the woman equally. Unlike in today's society where, although adultery is still a crime in many lawbooks, men can get away with it with social punishment much less severe than a woman.)
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Hmmm....great subject to think about.
I think that even though we Americans pride ourselves on being better in certain ways than past societies/generations, I do wonder if in fact we are better at all. In example, we still have a hugely homophobic society here (of course, that is one of my personal issues...wonder why?), yet because of those who (thankfully) have pushed the issue, we are being more accepted than ever before.
As far as punishing society... I believe the issues between adult personal crime, and crimes against children should be differentiated in a way (no, this is not an end to all discussion of crimes here... it is only a discussion of this specific subject). I personally feel that as adults, we need to protect children and maintain as much of their innocence for them at all costs. A person who commits a crime against a child is not only a coward, but one who deserves 'special treatment' for doing such. A child can in no way defend themselves against an adult criminal person or mind, which makes the crime against the child so horrendous.
I believe the letter to the neighborhood is a correct thing to do, and depending on the issue, parents should maybe be able to meet this person face to face to help protect their own children.
Now, lest you say this is too harsh.. please remember the recidivism rate of prison inmates in the US is over 80% (last I heard, but am not positive on the numbers). If inmates were truly changed by their prison sentences, this may be too harsh of a treatment after prison. However, given all issues and numbers, I believe that these people need to be treated this way when in the presence of our neighborhoods and children...
Only my opinion...on a very sad issue :'-( :'-( :'-(
BamBam
Celebrate your life... embrace your love... Become intimate with your place in forever !!!
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I think it's just as harsh as the old Puritans.
I also think that anyone can change, pay for their mistakes, and should be able to get on with their lives.
There should be a statute of limitations on the public parts, like the letter and the visits to the neighbors. People convicted of these crimes should be closely monitered by parole officers and receive manditory long term counseling treatment. Then, if there is no further criminal behaviour, the past should be put into the past.
Just my opinion.
"Always forgive your enemies...nothing annoys them quite so much." Oscar Wilde
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Guest
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On fire! |
Registered: March 2012
Messages: 2344
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Every next generation in every society seeks to reach beyond the limits of their predecesors. It is by and large a greater part of the human condition to improve on whatever status quo that might exist.
As far as punnishment of criminals, anyone can live to rise above his past. Weather it be from an abuse recieved as a child or the abuser him/her self. I believe also that in the case where children might be at risk then monitoring and treatment is well advised. Sending a letter to the neighbors is in line with caution, but as far as placing a person on public display, I think that is cruel and abusive as punishment. How is a person to retain employment, housing, attain some degree of self worth which would give him cause to become a good citizen if he is criticized, ridiculed and abused at every turn?
In order for a person to reform he needs some support.
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Ok here are my thoughts
1. Yes it is the same in many ways.
2. No, I don't think it is fair.
I am sometimes puzzeled by Americas notion that our society is perfect, as if speaking about problems within our society is somehow unpatriotic. If we think ourselves perfect, we will never improve. That too, would be a crime.
Just my thoughts,
Kevin;-)
"Be excellent to each other, and, party on dudes"!
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Thanks for your input there, David. I do appreciate the mediation in comparison to what I wrote....
Always your friend,
BamBam
Celebrate your life... embrace your love... Become intimate with your place in forever !!!
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Great point of view, David... 