Question Author
Starbuckone@
// As long as there are human beings there will be cruelty of one kind or another//
In today’s world, it may seem that few people are willing to give of themselves. Some, however, still wish “to make a difference”—to do good to others in some way.
Some of the good works accomplished by charitable workers include paying for the medical bills of low-income families, mentoring children of single parents, funding immunization programs in developing countries, giving children their first book, supplying breeding animals to farmers in poor countries, and delivering relief supplies to victims of natural disasters.
Sadly, though, there are also people who commit unspeakably evil acts.
During the 20th century, millions were murdered in Cambodia for political reasons. Ethnic hatred in Rwanda led to the deaths men, women, and children. Religiously and politically motivated murders in Bosnia resulted in deaths of innocent people.
In Iraq, we saw civilians massacred in cold blood, while relief workers, journalists and other non-combatants are taken hostage and put to death in the most barbarous fashion. At the same time, we have seen Iraqi prisoners disgracefully abused. In Darfur, we see whole populations displaced, and their homes destroyed, while rape is used as a deliberate strategy. In northern Uganda, we see children mutilated and forced to take part in acts of unspeakable cruelty.
Even in so-called developed lands, hate crimes seem to be on the rise.
So why do humans who have the capacity for doing so much good commit such wicked acts?