Tuesday, February 20, 2007

The object of torture

This slate article speaks about the nature of torture in modern society. I found it interesting, but I think that it misses an important point. Although it states "The opportunity to inflict torment gives absolute power to the otherwise powerless", it fails to relate this idea to the reason that a wide range of the human population find torture acceptable; given the proper circumstances.

The solace that torture provides to an individual who feels powerless is two fold. First, the inflicting of pain on others obscures our own; it furnishes a distraction of delusional superiority where our discomfort can be enshrouded by the agony of another. Second, torture affords the illusion of control; the ability to cause suffering to others promotes a sense that despite the unpredictability of our existance, our manipulative abilities will enable us to master the situation.

Despite the reversvations many might posess towards torture in a personal setting, the use of such actions fullfill an emotional need that supersedes the intellectual qualms. Thus, the search for situations where torture becomes justifiable, and can even become a form of entertainment; whether in Guantanamo or on "24"


Sadly, I feel that the true object of torture is toture; just as Eric Blair would have O'Brien tell us; and the soon we face the need for such depravity, the better chance we have for preventing such abuses in the future.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Amor Est Magis Cognitvus Quam Cognitio" ( We Know things better by Love than by intellect ).

There is an inherent conflict between the tools we use and ourselves. That which may be limited is more easily grasped, more easily manipulated and thus makes a convenient substitute for a complex and varied individual. Reason can become a surrogate self, rather than an instrument by which one is revealed.

Our emotional bonds, however, speak to the deepest and most elemental levels of being we posses. Without a clear understanding of how somethings feels, and why; we lack full comprehension of its relevance.

Friday, February 16, 2007

We are supposedly granted the right against self incrimination, but mirrors are not included in the protection. Betrayal by appearance, a face unable to conform to beauty's standards speaks condemnation to public eyes.

Plumbing the depths of skin with a glance, the cursory judgements of kin and character reign, their edicts exacting a toll that strands many.

Unable to transverse the paths of facade, the lack of motion reads as failure for a culture equating movement with progress. For want of a look, a life is lost; left to wander the wilderness of the unbecoming.