The worst of us
You and I most likely read the same articles in the paper this past week. Horrific stories of violence, abuse and terror put upon decent people. While such things happen almost routinely in big metro areas, we are not accustomed to such events in our community.
Why? Why does a young man attack an elderly woman, leaving her so damaged in body and spirit? Does the fact that he was under the influence of drugs make him less responsible? Why did a group of young boys vandalize and steal from a couple who only wanted to help them?
The reasons for doing evil actions range from “I don’t know why I did it” to “demonic possession.” Some attribute evil actions to a lack of religion, but I do not. I have seen evil depicted by both the God-fearing and the atheist. Morality appears to be subjective.
Evil is actually a social construct; what Americans consider evil may be considered normal behavior in other cultures. The birth of twins in the Western world is considered rare but not something out of the ordinary. At one time, the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria considered the birth of twins to be evil. The thinking was that twins were from having relations with two men at the same time. Often the twins were killed as a means of “cleansing” the community. While this practice no longer occurs, there is still superstition associated with the birth of twins in the Yoruba community.
Perhaps we should devote more time to trying to understand the concept of evil. But many avoid doing so because they are uncomfortable with the subject matter. Also, appearing interested in understanding evil could be perceived as unhealthy by our peers. Perhaps the fear of being drawn to the dark side prevents one from studying it. One could make the argument that we could become desensitized to evil, based on what is routinely shown on video games and media. Certainly, there is evidence that young children exposed to evil behavior at an early age may accept it as the norm. Were the juveniles who committed vandalism victims of such exposures? The young man convicted of assault was himself abused as a child. Was that a contributing factor to his drug use and violent acts? What about those who suffer the same abuse but go on to lead lives of civility? What were the factors that kept evil from being perpetuated?
Maybe being evil is just part of being human, the same as being good. We just accept that it happens, shake our heads, and move on. But maybe trying to understand evil and why it happens could be the means of alleviating evil. That is how we solve other problems, after all.
Honestly, my writing on this subject is just a response to horrible actions of evil people. I have no real answers. I revert to “scientist mode” in the hope of objectively understanding the “problem.” No amount of study will change all behavior for the good. In the end, we are all responsible for our own actions no matter those experiences that resulted in such actions.
“Do to others what you would want done to you.” If every culture, every government, and every parent followed this one rule always, would not evil be gone forever?
A hopeful wish made by millions, with little possibility of coming true.
— Devin Houston is the president/CEO of Houston Enzymes. Send comments or questions to devin.houston@gmail.com. The opinions expressed are those of the author.