Home > Society & Lifestyle > Morals, Values & Norms > Social Values & Norms
Created on: May 29, 2008 Last Updated: May 13, 2010
The world would be a better place without criminals. Have you been a victim of a crime? It's an upsetting experience. You could be walking along, minding your own business and suddenly you are confronted with an individual who says the following sentence, "Give me your money." Naturally, you don't want to be hurt or killed so you comply to neutralize the threat. Even if the thief leaves you alone, the incident can haunt your dreams for a long time. This just perpetuates feelings of fear and anxiety.
Throughout human history, murder has been a common occurrence in many societies. Premeditated or otherwise, it destroys the lives of individuals and entire families. The reasons for taking a person's life have ranged from political and religious motives to racial prejudice and old-fashioned greed. No country on Earth is immune to this kind of crime. I realize I'm just dreaming when I try to envision our world without murder. Is this realistic as long as there are such powerful emotions as jealousy, envy and hatred?
People are becoming tired and cynical of war, and all of the horrible things that go along with it. There are no winners; there are only losers. Those who are lucky enough to survive end up reliving traumatic events, over and over again. But, how realistic is this kind of expectation? The human condition in the 21st century, being as unpredictable as we know it to be, is just as susceptible to irrational behaviour as our predecessors in ancient times.
We would live in a happier and safer world if there were no fanatical, megalomaniacal dictators. When somebody finally wins a big position in government or authoritative body the quest for power and money becomes intoxicating, and irreversible. No examples need to be mentioned because these people are well known. Those who lived under their regimes probably still haven't recovered completely. Can we really hope to have a leader who is totally selfless and benevolent, like Mahatma Gandhi? Wouldn't it be great if there were more guys like him?
Pollution isn't beneficial to anyone, whether it's of the water, air, soil or the foods we eat. Wearing a mask over your face because of the exhaust fumes from cars and buses can become tiresome. The things we need to sustain our existence are now toxic. Fortunately, we have the ability to reverse what is happening. All we need is the will.
There would be less cruelty and inequality if global businesses were smaller and more accountable. These companies would pollute less and treat workers more fairly. We don't need any more big corporations; the ones already in existence operate with impunity and in some cases, get away with murder.
Learn more about this author, Scott Hayden.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
The world would be a better place without ...
by Festus Sowah
The world would be a better place without hunger and thirst. By this I mean, the hunger and thirst for power, control, food,
There are a lot of things that the world has and we have no choice but to accept them. There are earthquakes and tsunamis
by Jac Alyn
Rape is the number one form of abuse against women in the world today. The Number One form of abuse against women
Imagine a world without prejudice. A world in which the ‘content’ of a person is looked upon and
by Ethel Smith
In this life many opinions are subjective. I suppose this is just as true when you consider what things you think the world
View All Articles on: The world would be a better place without ...
Helium Debate
Cast your vote!
Are ethics and morality shifting to accommodate changes in economical patterns?
Click for your side.
Featured Partner
National Anti-Vivisection Society
The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) is dedicated to abolishing the exploitation of animals used in research, education and product testing. NAVS promotes greater compassion, respect and justice for animals through education...more