Hoodlums and poverty

Hoodlums and poverty

From Gatra

The authorities have been trying to curb hoodlum activity
around the country, a move much hailed by society at large. Many
people want the complete removal of this "predator" species from
Indonesian soil.

However, if we look into the matter more deeply, their
existence is not extraordinary. All men are basically clean at
birth. When some of them grow up to become sadistic and cruel
hoodlums that resort to violence and brutality, we must regard it
as a social disease. And believe me, even among hoodlums we can
still find atoms of love and purity in them.

Then why do hoodlums exist? One of the major causes is
poverty. It is undeniable that poverty breeds criminality.
Research reveals that poverty is the cause of criminality. Only a
few cases of criminality are triggered by vengeance. As the Greek
philosopher Aristotle said: "Poverty may lead to criminality and
rebellion." Another philosopher said: "Man's gold is the source
of many crimes."

The wider the social gap, the lower the people's morale
becomes. There is an absolute truth in the opinions of the these
two philosophers. Thieves, pick-pockets and other criminals are
abundant where a social gap exists.

If we really want to abolish crime and hoodlums, we must first
and foremost eradicate poverty and narrow the social gap.
We must consider social equity. Also we should live a modest life
and create a sense of social solidarity regardless of ethnic
origin, religious beliefs, etc.

ERWIN

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