Turn which other cheek?

Violence in the stations
This is motivated both by the daily doses of violence on the streets of our country as reflected on newspapers’ front pages –and  by two features on domestic violence published in Arnon Adams’ May 2009 Guyana Review.

Why am I tiring of referring to my “generation”? Perhaps I accept that the old moral standards and values are gone!  Replaced now by overwhelming intolerance, grossness and downright ignorance.  Based on moronic illiteracy, on easily acquired hate and no love for one another.

Human life has become not merely cheap, but easily expendable and disposable. No other “cheeks” are turned when slapped.  The reaction is often deadly.  Despite the thousands in attendance at the popular gospel-reggae churches, Christian precepts are ignored, especially by young men.

Background notes suggest that turning the other cheek is to respond to an aggressor without violence (in every sense of the word.) During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the Christ, seemingly dismissed the principle “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”. Instead he advised that if someone was struck on the right cheek, that victim should also offer the other cheek to the aggressor.  Huh!

Another sermon has Him telling would-be followers: “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you.” Whew!
The researchers have delved into the meanings and historical contexts of Jesus’ advice, but whatever the interpretations, it is accepted that he was preaching, advocating peace and non-violence. I am putting it to you that in today’s Guyana and the world, even the more matured and responsible Christians find it difficult to regard that aspect of their Lord’s teachings.

Today’s young products of all Faiths, are given to reaction, to reprisals and revenge.  Eventually, to some form of physical, violent response to any wrong committed against their person.  Even after attending “church”.

A few forms of violence

Admittedly, this little essay is about physical violence, as against psychological or mental violence which could be even more insidious and long-lasting. Both as a young teacher and when I listened to a certain representative of the Red Thread organization, I appreciated what hitting the very young or even threatening them with some form of physical hurt – can do.

Yes, I know it’s the post-slavery “culture”. Yes, I know that even earlier, African and Asian civilization indulged in warrior-like, violence-based physical conflicts and resolutions.  Physical violence was “handed down” to us.  (You must feel the pain you inflicted on someone else. Or you must be put away permanently. Hence corporal and capital punishment.)

Just imagine! Old teachers often flogged when you got the Arithmetic or Dictation wrong. Physical violence to learn! Fear! That has to be wrong. Similarly, child sees father hitting mommy, so it’s the thing to do; the thing that works, thinks the little fellow.  Violence begets violence.  Frankly Speaking, I see little way out.  These are the times of violence – from the school bully and our village bandit to the invasion of Iraq, Middle East conflicts, the killings in Darfur and the North Korean nuclear bombs, these are our realities of physical violence.

How can love replace the hate and violence? Don’t tell me about religion and being Christian. They are killing in the names of their Gods. What other cheek! Discuss.
Domestic violence in the station

One grand consequence of the Obama Presidency was social – Black youth seeing a most powerful man happily married to a black woman. With a lovely family.  Long before fame. Back here “single-parents” abound, family life is endangered. Common-law, “reputed” relationships seem to breed the disrespect that breeds the violence in so-called “homes”. If reports are made to the little Police Station, what is found there? Untrained, underpaid young ranks who themselves believe that violence against the person actually works. Then too, they fear that the abused victim will eventually withdraw; will compromise and let down their prosecution.  Happily, I understand that many police ranks are being briefed about how to handle domestic violence and provision is being made at the little stations for privacy and confidentiality. Should we depend on officialdom, answers and solutions are challenging for this particular social problem.

Domestic violence however, cries out for our being our sister’s keeper. Be fast! Report potential abuse smouldering in your community – get to the root, the heart of the matter.
Ponder…
1*) The bandit stalked and stabbed the 88-year old lady at Plum Park, Sophia, as he robbed her. How does society’s laws deal with that type?
2*) What’s to become of the spanking new, huge CLICO building on Camp Street, in Georgetown?

3*) Should I begin saying The Kanhai – Lloyd cricket stadium?
4*) What does Barbados think of Guyanese Eddy Grant? Is he a citizen there? With a valid work permit? A superstar investor?
5*) Goodbye, farewell today Lady Monica – Guymine! You did Guyana proud!
‘Til Next Week!
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