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During the 18th century dueling was the norm, only because it helped a justice system that was very lacking, in punishing those considered to be the victimizers. One should also consider the fact that most duelers were well to do gentlemen who would probably have escaped punishment altogether. In our modern society, we have what is considered rule of law and a court system that hears grivances from both parties, regardless of their social status. Taking matters into ones own hands can be disastrous especially if one hopes to live a long life. The era of the 1700's had men, since men were the only ones who dueled, who had strong ideals such as, protecting their self respect as well as the respect of their womenfolks, protecting their family name, and other values that they would consider tarnished by a few words spoken by an outsider or even a friend turned enemy. For this a duel would be fought and of course one person would die. The world of today is so much different than centuries ago, for example, children are taught to ignore what is said about them, or even their family, by others whether in jest or not. We make fun of different cultures at times and even people who seem different, and some times it is also done to us. in other words the people of this century have been desensitized to personal insults, which at times does not reflect who they are. Personal affront are ignored or at the most a fistfight might follow. Dueling would definately not benefit modern society because the state of mind is so much better than it was centuries ago, however there is always that small factor that would try to take advantage of certain facets of the law which would make a fiasco out of its legality. Gang warfare is so abundant that this law would make it possible for the killing of too many innocent young people. Disagreements over tagging, or even spray painting of walls etc would make it possible to take the lives of people who said a few words meaning no harm. Road rage alone would clear this city of most peole. One must remember that dueling was for any grivances. As i have said before dueling would not benefit todays society, let the police department and the court system deal with the the problems that citizens have wijth each other. Fortunately, i believe the psychological makeup of the people within our society today has greatly improved over the many centuries.

Learn more about this author, Carole Haynes.
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