This debate surrounding Pinochet does highlight the role of the sociologists.
I would like to turn towards South Africa for a moment, if I may on a European
mailing list. There is no doubt that the birth of the "New South Africa" is
somewhat of a miracle - the process had all the ingredients for disaster - yet
life, for many, is relatively "normal". The country has swung towards one that
is ultra sensitive towards human rights, yet this at a price.
1) In a police chase a criminal is shot and, in the cross fire, so is a child.
As is his right the criminal receives the best of medical treatment at a private
nursing home paid for by the state. The state refuses assistance to the child
as it is the mothers responsibility - the child dies due to lack of treatment.
2) Hi-jackings are a daily occurrence, in many cases with the loss of life, more
often than not these hi-jackers are out on bail, because it is their right, many
having committed a similar crime and come out and kill again _ because it is
their right!?
This list could continue - farm killings, political crimes, heists and the like
and emphasises a need for balance - which in turn calls for an educated and
objective, dare I use the word, assessment of the situation.
The death penalty is surely not the answer in fact punitive measure would, in my
mind, not be a solution. It is here where the sociologist or, to cast the net
even wider, the social and behavioural scientist could play a role. What
bearing has the apartheid years had on this? What effect the period after 1976
when activism was at its peak, rioting, necklacing - children raised in this
environment? And, more importantly, how does a country rebuild a moral fibre
because, I would suggest, it is here were an answer lies and only with a firm
eye to the future and active involvement from those with the skills will it be
possible to move towards a solution.
Perhaps, what I am trying to say is, that when it comes to atrocities it is more
valuable to focus on the future and ensure that they do not occur again. Off
course this does not mean ignoring the past - the future comes out of the past,
the past can be used to enlighten a society with an eye on the future - maybe
the sociologist can play a role in this?
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Neville Bews
South Africa
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