Introduction to Sociology / Q&A (11/28) / Mingyeong Kim

Q. In our modern world more peaceful than the past? Can we think of some examples – or contradictions?

 

https://www.ted.com/talks/steven_pinker_on_the_myth_of_violence?language=en

A : Stephen Pinker said the past was more violent than humans in the past. I agree with this. In the past, the concept of human rights was less clear than it is now. Therefore, when confronted with violence, people were more likely to adapt themselves to it than to the present. Modern society, however, regards human rights as important and considers violence very negative. Also, the views of people watching violence are also very important, so I think modern society is more peaceful than ever. For example, now that only punishment at school can be done before, it is now banned and viewed as a very negative thing.