Is civilised society so much better for us?

PRIMITIVE tribes would leave a child who was born weak on a hillside – if it died so be it, if it lived then it was as much a member of the tribe as every other person.

This was supported as for the good of the tribe, which was more vital than the life of any individual: even the child’s parents would wish it to be this way.

Civilised people, on the other hand, only allow poor, weak and destitute people to die without their consent. Others are kept alive to the detriment of themselves and those who care about them, without the consent of either the individual or those who care about them.

Primitive tribes would require a pubescent male to undergo a trial in order to enter full manhood, with the full consent of the child and those who loved him.

Civilised society will torture, neglect and condemn poor people, but allow the wealthy to carry out atrocities without challenge.

Primitive societies accepted that the lovemaking act united two individuals.

Civilised people engage in a huge variety of sexual practices, sometimes without the consent of at least one participant. Many of these do not benefit the individuals or society.

Nudity, homosexuality and lesbian sex were as much a part of everyday life in ancient Greece, Rome and primitive tribes as any other human sexual activity.

It has taken civilisation an incredible amount of time to accept homosexual and lesbian relationships. Even now, some civilised countries condemn this.

Most civilised countries still consider human public nudity offensive, but turn a blind eye to the wealthy committing horrendous sexual crimes behind closed doors.

Primitive tribes respected their elders. All members of the tribe were considered valuable and contributed in whatever way they could.

Civilised people only allow certain individuals, who have wealthy connections or are of an “acceptable” type, to have jobs.

Primitive tribes valued intelligence, wisdom and all practical skills.

Civilised people value those who achieved academic qualifications, whether by skill or money, and a small number of practical skills.

If a member of a primitive tribe committed an act that was detrimental to the tribe, they were expelled.

Civilised people lock up the poor, mentally ill and disadvantaged for decades but allow the rich to commit unspeakable acts of depravity, murder, fraud and a huge variety of immoral acts that are detrimental to society.

Aren’t you glad we live in a civilised society?

Peter Binks, email