Cruelty

This book contains the short biographies of three violent individuals, as told in separate interviews. The first part illustrates social exclusion in the context of youth gangs, the second alcohol-related violence, and the third describes violence associated with drug trade. The biographies reveal insights into the relationship between pharmacological effects of drugs and violence, subcultural aspects, concepts of structural and cultural violence, and precursors of giving up violent lifestyles. All three narratives emphasize the importance of building and maintaining communication for (...) the prevention of violence. As the interviewees all underwent profound transitions out of their criminal lifestyles, this book may also serve as an example for individuals seeking a nonviolent life. (shrink)

Recent research suggests that social cognition may play a role in the connections among gendered experiences of teasing within the grade school classroom. Within the framework of social-cognitive developmental theory, this qualitative research study investigates how gender may influence young children?s experiences and perception of teasing within the context of peer relationships. The present study explored the role gender plays in 89 Canadian children?s (4?9 years of age, 39 girls, 50 boys) perceptions of peer teasing through participants? drawings and accompanying (...) narratives. Results indicate that gender may help shape girls? and boys? perceptions of peer teasing in the classroom and suggest the need for educators to build a school culture of kindness, peace, and compassion to enhance children?s social-emotional lives. (shrink)

Less Than Human is a chilling indictment of our nature, and is as timely as it is relevant.

In "The Nature of Evil"2 I offer an analysis of evil action, in a sense distinct from merely very wrong action, in which I claim that the evil act is one in which the agent silences overwhelming considerations against performing the act. Christopher Hamilton 's interesting commentary raises five objections against my account of evil in terms of silenced reasons I shall argue that all five objections can be met.

It might be said that all knowledge is linked to the essential forms of cruelty.Michel Foucault (1962).