Moral Force vs. legal force
Moral Force vs. legal force
The law and order system of every society is driven by two forces- the Moral Force and the legal force.
Stability is attained when these two forces are in equilibrium i.e. the laws overlap with the conscience of citizens.
In most developed countries, the legal force supersedes the Moral. Things like gay marriages or legalized prostitution can be against your morals but that doesn't give a right to beat up gay couples or prostitutes.
In India, the situation is quite the opposite. People give preference to the Moral force over the legal. You can shit on road, park your vehicles in front of the "No Parking" signboard, nobody utters a goddamn word. You kiss a girl and you're beaten to death! The sad part is that, the Police - the primary feature of the law and order system - also gives more importance to their own Morals rather than the law. The same with Politicians. They're reluctant to back people up who've not broken any law but gone against the pre-determined moral code of conduct of the society. Many people shared a collective sympathy for Ram Sene after Mangalore.
Many things which are completely illegal are also overlooked because of this phenomenon. Beating up kids in schools is illegal, but most teachers don't find it "wrong" and for them the law is virtually non-existent. Dowry is illegal, but not "wrong" according to the Moral code of conduct. So people give and take dowries with most being unaware that a law against it exists!
Why is it that anything that gives pleasure is considered immoral? Be it having sex or drinking wine. In fact, anything mildly sexual is considered "indecent" "obscene" and "dirty". PDA's are considered a crime. In Christianity 'Gluttony' is a Sin, enough to get you to Hell!
Even money is considered "immoral". In old bollywood movies, the rich guys are mostly villains. They are cruel, flirtatious and atheists. The poor guy is the Hero. He is unrealistically ideal. He is kind hearted, sees every girl as his sister except the heroine and of course, believes in God(if he doesn't then he dies at the end).
In my school we were told "if you be happy when you're young, then you'll be unhappy when you're old". I wished to kick the arise of the one who always said it.
Why is happiness considered immoral? It’s not a zero sum rule between Happiness and unhappiness, is it?
In ancient times, Hindu saints believed that pain is only way to attain salvation. They used to torture themselves. Heard of "Tapasya" ? In short, pain is 'good' and the converse would be - pleasure is 'bad'!
The term "enjoy" is an abused one in our society. "Good boys and girls" are not meant to crave for enjoyment in any part of their lives.
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