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My dear criminals, thank you. You are dear to me because you taught me how to write this prose for you and for my society. Dear readers, can you draw a line of demarcation between human instinct and animal instinct? The answer is 'No', however, we do differentiate the two.
Concepts of INSTINCT have been criticized for their confused approach. 'Instinct' needs broad flexibility to encompass them rationally. In align to the purpose of this prose, Instinct is a drive, a pushing force, vim to satisfy self-desire or want. And, ANIMAL INSTINCT means anti-social, immoral, unfiltered or non-intervened drive that leads to blasphemy and even heinous crime, which palpitate and throb people. It is wild and aims at self-satisfaction in every instance. Mental Evolution (a concept derived from the works of Herbert Spencer, Charles Darwin etc. and also supported by experimental methodology for systematic manipulation of animal behaviour) points out that the functions of brain are the products of evolutionary history of species. And, it is true that many lower organisms shared the history and course of evolution. That is why mental characteristics of animals are found in complex human mind.
A lot of predispositions we identify as human nature can be identified as animal instinct! One of many examples is the mother's love for children. I am not surprised that we humans are animals. We all know, we are SOCIAL ANIMALS. However, overwhelmed by the single word HUMAN, people forget they are 'social' -element of society- and 'animal' inside 'human' starts regulating. This causes human to exhibit animal behaviour. Recognizing self as a social animal creates a platform of being 'real human'. It reminds us the essence of humanism. When the conscious importance of this platform go haywire, man loose control over the wild energy that resides within him. It weakens the sentience he developed from society. The result? The animal in him comes out with unpolished teeth to feed his own momentary desire and greedy hormones. Some noteworthy cases ranging from individual level to community to society to global:
- Famous 'Sex on wheel' / 'Rape on wheel' cases in Delhi. Establishes a fear factor in girls/women and furrowing brows of insecurity in parents.
- Sexual abuse & Rape cases committed by security personnel in Manipur. Security gives insecurity to civilians.
- On April 13, 05, Manipur Central Library was burnt to the ground by MEELAL activists. They burnt their bridges. Thousand people's sweat, time and wealth were converted into cinder. They can't get them back, can't translate them into Meiteilon and can't instill knowledge into their children. It might be the best impetus for our language if they translated them into Meiteilon first.
- July 5, 05 attack on Ayodhya by Muslim militants. Hits communal harmony.
- July 7 & July 21, 05 London blasts. Strengthens hatred towards community.
- July 23, 05 series of blasts in Egypt. Indicates the global presence of terrorism.
Civilians became criminals by committing heinous crimes (murder, robbery…). There are aplenty examples. Past holocausts have shown that human nature can be much worse than anything an animal could do. But it is very rare to find an exemplary man of humanity in this mysterious world.
'Women are under attacked', is the cry. Since many incidents revealed this notion, I would like to ink a little here. There are many cases of sexual assault, molestation, rape etc. But what about ladies (you) counter attacking men? You can turn upside down. It would be a lesson in realizing that you are capable of far more intense orgasms than men. What makes you feel weaker? It is the socialization you underwent that makes you feels so. If you look into, you are stronger and more vivacious than men. When I heard news about rape, my first reaction is
"Were the rapist(s) armed with lethal weapon?" If 'no', then, I would say the victim herself contributed unknowingly to the crime. She did not recognize her 'strength' -the presence of her INSTINCT-. People generally see to such cases as 'out-home' one, what if the predator is at your home? Beware and prepare, awareness is the key.
Instinct is a psychological representation of an inner somatic source of excitation that acts as a propelling factor of behaviour. Its impetus is determined by the intensity of underlying need(s). It is very useful to know that one can channelize and regulate his instinct by maintaining the equilibrium of his body abolishing disturbing excitation guided by moral values. Everyone can do it. I do have sexual desire (who don't have?). Opportunities came to me, but nothing happened with me & from me. Because, I practice SUBLIMATION. I channelize the energy flow of that desire to socially acceptable forms (sketching, writing poems/quotations/slogans). Still, if it is hard to you even by doing so, then you can exhibit it through drawing nudity (historical monuments are the proofs, it's a great art) or pen down creative lines on sex or manipulate the energy for some productive works that suits you. In extreme you can go to licensed brothel. Keeping all these ways aside, if you sexually abuse / rape a girl / woman then, you are eligible to be called a 'two-footed dog'. You are away from 'social' and you undermine social values. You are a member of dogs' family on roadside in winter season.
Short term or long term, there is a force behind every action. This action may lead to death or love or recognition. As you can easily see in news, exhibition of carnal desire or any other crime can be grouped under two categories:
- Well-planned exhibition of animal instinct: There is little chance that criminals can be counseled. They work on their wild thoughts to execute it out giving conscious support). They should be rewarded with death penalty or if not, a severe punishment.
- Impulsive exhibition of animal instinct: Those involved should be put in mild punishment to make themselves feel guilty. They should be given a chance to socialize and develop by giving guidance and counselling.
Let our behaviour be driven by an inclination towards fair competition and search for knowledge. Concerns should:
- Boost public awareness about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence.
- Help public identify the origin of violence and prevent its escalation.
We 'human' have a tendency to choose those personalities as models who seem to be more successful in gratifying their needs than us. But how far is this tendency rational? Needs vary from person to person. So, better to think.
- Keep descent needs & use your mind not your brain, not your heart.
- Don't act on impulsively, think and rethink.
- Look at your parents, your education, your responsibilities towards family and society
- Deem the Almighty (Allah, Bhagwan, Jesus, Pakhangba). They are omnipresent. I am not in favour of orthodoxy & superstition; I just mean self-respect and awareness of responsibilities.
Use the animal in you for productivity & development. It is a resource -a strength- that needs your direction.
Paramananda Chabungbam, HRD professional, contributes regularly to e-pao.net. He works in Hyderabad and can be contacted at [email protected]
His motto in life is "No life & No living without work".
This article was webcasted on July 25, 2005
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