Womble:
More importantly though. I was educated about what was right and wrong. Told why I couldn't just do what I want
Hm, this depends on what right/wrong is in a culture, Womble. It's not as fix as you would like it. Enemy idols are everywhere (think of the cultural combat going on between west/east culture) - think of religion and its allowed violence, when it comes to those believing otherwise. Heavens! Think of the past - think of weapon laws, gender roles of males being a hero if they murder/harm/violate for a "higher cause". Think of Inndy English, think of terrorists (who are called freedom fighters in their environment of right/wrong) ... think of those, who justify what they do by their right/wrong.
NO! Parents can give a guideline, but a youth/adult has to decide on its own - but how can a youth decide, if her/his chances are limited to their cultural environment? that's like teaching colours to a blind.
And HOW can a young adult decide and live her/his virtues and ethics if legal groups define what right/wrong is and therefore allow to harm? Therefore allow to feel free of own virtues? Therefore want (!) you to lose your individualism and simply obey?
I think violence - even the slap on the butt for a child teaches only ONE thing: "Wait until I'm big and strong enough to do the same and get what I want". Gee, which culture does not rely on the "right" of the stronger? And the simple way to get what I want? It's violence, oppression, suppression. Why? BECAUSE of this dualism "right/wrong". Feeling I'm right, allows me anything, even revenge... I think, borders should be taught in a different way - not by biting in an ear (yeah, works for cats, though I prefer water or the noise of a newspaper heavily rapped on the table). I think, borders, respect should be taught by making clear which consequences an action has. And if the person willing to do something, is as willing to let it happen if she/he is on the receiving end.
And I do believe that the steady drop holes out a stone => media, games, magazines, novels, religion - name it, name everything else I missed - goes into the violent direction and forms the cultural environment I live in.
Kiya
