“But jail? For hurt feelings? I am not sure that is a direction we want to go”
This would not have happened 50 years ago. A man harassing a child would have been confronted by other men, and that man would have been dealt with. Knowing this, the harassment would not likely have occurred.
Our society has changed so much that anyone coming to the defense of the child may themselves have been attacked (verbally or violently) and with no assurance they would be backed up. Or, if someone did step in, they may have been arrested or even sued.
Society is slowly evolving to where the only real punishment available is being arrested and sent to jail.
We once had a social compact with each other, obey societies rules or the community will deal with it.
Civil societies can exist only when the majority understand and obey the rules of living together. We are no longer a civil society.
Unfortunately the law is a poor substitute for individuals not doing bad things.
Our popular culture praises and rewards bad behavior so we should not be surprised when people behave badly.
well said
Your response is spot on.
WELL SAID!! Applicable in so many other arenas of bad behaviour as well. To examine the other side of the coin.... “we” have allowed seemingly normal acts to be CRIMINALIZED to the extent that if by-standers DO act...they are usually liable, and sued, and end up the loosers. So, who can blame them for NOT stepping in? I agree with you 100%, but that’s how a lot of people think, and I can’t blame them.
-— This would not have happened 50 years ago. A man harassing a child would have been confronted by other men, and that man would have been dealt with. Knowing this, the harassment would not likely have occurred ——
There are gray areas around law. Some misdeads are best dealt with informally.
For example, my wife works at a supermarket, and the shoplifting regulars are known. When they enter the store, if a clerk is available, the clerk will tail them. But the clerks are instructed NOT to attempt to stop them if they leave with stolen merchandise.
In the old days, the cops would have taken the thief to jail, and the thief would have accidentally bumped into a door.
For thee kinds of crimes, corporal punishment is, paradoxically, the most humane.