By Rajkumar Singh
‘Cruelty’ is an act of causing harm or suffering to living beings, whether intentionally or through neglect. It can be in many forms, such as, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Its background can also be of various qualities, but it often lacks empathy or understanding, as well as societal and cultural factors that condone or excuse certain forms of cruelty.
Psychological and personality disorders, traumatic experiences and socialisation play a role in the development of cruel behaviour. However, it has traditionally a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Throughout history, various forms of cruelty have been practiced, including human sacrifice, slavery, and war. In ancient cultures, cruelty was often justified as a means of appeasing gods or maintaining social order.
Cruelty towards animals has also been a longstanding practice, with many societies using animals for labour, sport, and entertainment. In the past, animal cruelty was not considered a serious moral issue and was often seen as necessary for human survival. During the Middle Ages, cruelty was often used as a form of punishment, such as torture and execution. Public executions were used as a means of maintaining social control and instilling fear in the population. In more recent times, cruel practices such as eugenics and the Holocaust have been perpetrated by governments and individuals, resulting in the deaths of millions of people.
Cruelty towards animals continues to be an issue in many parts of the world. In some places, animals are subjected to inhumane treatment in agriculture, research, and entertainment industries. Many people and organizations are fighting against these forms of cruelty and advocating for the protection of animals.
Social impact and other factors
Cruelty casts a definite significant impact on society, both in terms of the individuals or groups who are targeted by the cruelty and the broader community. The individuals or groups who are the target of cruelty may experience physical and emotional harm, which can lead to long-term trauma and mental health issues. For example, victims of physical abuse may experience physical injuries, while victims of emotional abuse may experience depression and anxiety. Cruelty can also lead to a breakdown in social trust and cohesion.
When individuals or groups are targeted for cruel treatment, it can create a sense of fear and mistrust within the community, leading to a breakdown in relationships and social connections. It can also perpetuate and legitimise other forms of discrimination and oppression. For example, cruelty towards certain racial or ethnic groups can lead to the justification of racist policies and practices. Cruelty in the form of animal abuse can also have a significant impact on society. Animal welfare is becoming increasingly important, and cruelty towards animals can lead to public outrage and calls for change. It also has a negative impact on the health and well-being of animals and can result in legal repercussions for the person committing the crime.
Overall, cruelty can have a wide range of negative impacts on society, causing harm to individuals and groups, damaging social relationships, and perpetuating discrimination and oppression. It is important for society to address the work actively and prevent cruelty in all its forms. The benefits and harms of cruelty can vary depending on the context and the specific form of cruelty in question. In general, cruelty is harmful and can cause physical and emotional suffering to the individuals or animals who are targeted. However, in some cases, cruelty may be perceived as necessary for achieving certain goals. For example, in certain medical research, the use of animals in experiments may be seen as necessary in order to advance knowledge and find treatments for human diseases. Cruelty can also be used as a form of punishment for criminal behaviour, with the goal of rehabilitating offenders and deterring future crime. Additionally, cruelty can also be used as a form of entertainment, such as bullfighting, dogfighting and cockfighting, but these activities are condemned by many animal welfare organizations and people as it causes severe harm and suffering to the animals involved.
Forms of cruelty
Cruelty continues to exist in various forms in modern times, whose examples include: a. Animal cruelty: This can include factory farming, animal testing, the use of animals in entertainment, and illegal hunting and trade in wild animals. b. Domestic violence and abuse: This can include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse within intimate relationships. c. Child abuse: This can include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. d. Bullying: This can include physical, emotional, and cyberbullying. e. Discrimination: This can include racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination based on factors such as religion, ethnicity, and disability. f. Human trafficking: This can include forced labour and sexual exploitation. g. War and political violence: This can include acts of violence committed by governments or non-state actors, such as genocide and ethnic cleansing.
These forms of cruelty are often motivated by a lack of empathy and understanding, as well as societal and cultural factors that condone or excuse certain forms of cruelty. In addition, psychological and personality disorders, traumatic experiences and socialisation can also play a role in the development of cruel behaviour. Many organizations and individuals are working to combat cruelty in modern times through education, advocacy, and legislation. It is important for society to continue to address and actively work to prevent cruelty in all its forms.
Cruelty and globalisation
Cruelty and globalisation are interconnected in a number of ways. Globalisation has led to increased economic and cultural exchange between different regions, which can have a positive impact on reducing cruelty. However, it can also contribute to the spread of cruelty and human rights abuses in various ways. Globalization can facilitate the spread of harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, and forced labour. These practices are often rooted in traditional beliefs and customs, but can be perpetuated and spread through increased migration and cultural exchange.
The increased movement of goods and people also leads to the spread of cruel practices such as animal abuse, animal testing and illegal trade in wild animals. The increased demand for animal products in developing countries, where regulations may be less strict, can lead to the expansion of factory farming and other forms of industrial animal agriculture, which often involves cruel and inhumane treatment of animals.
Globalisation also contributes to the spread of harmful products and services that cause harm to animals and humans. For example, the global trade in exotic animals for entertainment, as well as the illegal trade in animal parts, can have a detrimental effect on wildlife populations and contribute to the extinction of certain species. Overall, while globalization can bring attention to and help to combat cruelty, it can also contribute to its spread and perpetuation. It is important for individuals and organizations to be aware of these issues and work to address them in a global context.
Author: Dr. Rajkumar Singh – Youth Motivator, presently Professor of Political Science and Dean of Social Sciences along with Dean, Student’s Welfare (DSW), at B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura (Bihar), India. He has published 22 books and 900 articles in national and international journals and daily newspapers from 25 different countries.
Image Credit: REUTERS/Luke MacGregor