Finally,
four men have been given life sentences in the rape case of a young female
photographer in Mumbai, India. In Nigeria, the laws governing the rape of a
minor have been raised to life in prison for the offending rapist and 14 years
if the victim is an adult; if the victim survives. Two countries, same problem.
A global sexual depravity of pandemic proportions.
The
Oxford dictionary’s first definition of rape: v. 1. (of a man) force (another
person) to have sexual intercourse with him/her against their will. To have
forced sexual relations with a human, even an unsuspecting animal, would be
sure to have dire, psychological consequences for the victim; perhaps even
irreparable mental damage which may lead to permanent insanity.
Rape! The mere sound of the word sends an
uncomfortable yet distinct shiver down the spine. Images of one human brutally overpowering another
in absolutely abhorrent acts of forced sexual perversion flash across the mind
leaving indelible visions of one of the many devastatingly demoralizing acts of
man’s inhumanity to man.
With
the many educational as well as scientific achievements and advancements made
by the human race in the 20th and 21st centuries, one would think that ancient
crimes such as rape would have been drastically curtailed if not obliterated
from the pages of civilization. Alas, no. This persistent crime has managed to
remain firm, albeit hidden in plain sight, through the ages.
Unfortunately,
it seems, by-products of the same achievements and advancements have brought
with them cunning new ways of spreading this dreaded social malaise. A disease
capable of crippling the very essence of humanity.
Globally,
rape has been on the increase. Most likely due to an unhealthy combination of
weak laws governing the prosecution of rape cases, the dismal lack of will by
constituted authorities to vigorously pursue and prosecute reported incidents,
easily accessible pornographic material on the internet along with an
alarmingly sharp decline in traditional and religious values.
Liberal
views (in some quarters) on the interactions between the sexes. All these, when
added to the dangerous mix above, create a volatile recipe like a dormant
volcano suddenly awakened and bent on erupting.
The
advent of certain entertainers (Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and P-Square come to
mind) both at home and abroad with a penchant for glorifying deviant sexual
behaviour may, perhaps indirectly, have also contributed to the rise in the
perpetration of this vile act. Youth, only in the first evolutionary stages of becoming
young men and women, have far more easier and unsupervised access to the
internet where they see modes of dressing which even mildly described as
indecent would be an understatement. They hear lyrics written with blatant
messages of sexual innuendo. They witness erotic dance moves once reserved only
for the discreet viewing pleasure of the most daring men. It is only logical
that violent acts would be used to quench the wild fires of naked desire
emanating from the loins of these young people.
I admit
to not being an authority on the issue of the possible psychological leanings
which could lead to rape or the contemplation thereof but I am quite confident
that I wouldn’t be too far off the mark. Thus said, it behoves the rest of us
who remain eternally thankful to our parents / guardians and a bygone era of
decency to reignite the flames of purity for the preservation of moral sanctity
of generations to come.
“Don’t
just say NO to rape. Say NEVER
Yusuf Mahmud
04/04/14
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