quote:
Originally posted by Ronn_Bman:
[b]
But somethings are evil, no matter what the reason behind it. Just because we shouldn't close the door on discussion and research into something vile doesn't mean we can't label it evil. Labeling something, doesn't mean the end of the story. You have to deal with the problem itself before you can deal with the causes.
I don't believe anyone comes from the womb evil, but some people do become evil, for whatever reason. Everyone has a reason for everything they do in life, but all of them aren't valid.
I see your point entirely, and do agree with you to a certain extent.
However.
Some would say America bombing civilians is evil. No, you say, it is necessary, a necessary evil, if you like, to combat evil, and for the greater good. Nevertheless, some will continue to say it is evil, no matter what the original provocation for the action. Basically, you are killing many innocent people along with with those who are not innocent. You see? You are using cause and effect to justify what are, if you look at them fair and square on, evil actions. And yet many are not ready to do the same, and take a good hard look at the causes of the evil wreaked by Osama bin Laden and his band of not so merry men, prefering to believe in some 'America the Beautiful, the Brave and the Generous' myth. (As I've said before, I don't wish to villify America here. Much good is also done. And there is much generousity. But for god's sake, let's open our eyes to some of the other stuff!)
I don't believe in 'evil' people.. (although there is a category of hugely unfortunate people who were born without the facility to feel any sort of empathy or positive connection with other humans/life forms whatever, and as a result can commit the most horrendous atrocities against others. I believe the label is psychotic. I don't know enough about this to discuss knowledgeably however, - the views of anyone who does would be welcome - preferably a professional rather than someone who fancies themselves an expert on matters of the mind......
As I was saying, I don't believe in 'evil' people. Evil actions quite obviously exist, we see evidence of them every day of our lives, most often in the media rather than first hand, although that very much depends on what one's job is... People do evil things, granted. The people who do those things are always damaged, always full of self hatred, often of despair and anger, and they turn those emotions outwards, into action in the world, rather than inward upon themselves. Suicide or murder? Abuse of self or abuse of others? It depends on the person. Everyone is different. And before anyone starts off on the old cliche that many people undergo horrors and yet turn out fine, decent human beings, yes, I know. I (hope) I am one of those people. I have met many others. And I have met many who have gone the other way. Some people are less sensitive, stronger, more resilient, more intelligent, luckier in the people they meet along the way, luckier in the opportunities that come their way.
But yes, going back to evil actions that take place, and that have consequences. Obviously we have to take steps to deal with those actions, and if we can, prevent them from happening again. But I'm not one of those that thinks that violence solves all problems. All that happens is you temporarily stun the problem, which then gets up again when you're least expecting it, grabs your weapon, and beats the shit out of you with it. (Which is basically what has happened in Afghanistan.....)