The phrase “If you retaliate, you become equal to the one who started the conflict,” and the similar sentiment that “fights only happen between equals,” are often used to suppress emotional retribution against perpetrators. But is the concept of ‘equality’ in these statements truly valid? Let’s explore this idea further.
1. Challenging the Concept of ‘Equality’ in Conflict
The idea of ‘equality’ in retaliation has often been used to stop victims from seeking revenge or taking emotional retribution. However, this concept of equality, when examined in the context of real-life struggles, does not hold up. For example, in my personal experience, having been abused by my parents, I can attest that simply retaliating does not make me “equal” to them. The motivations behind my actions and theirs are vastly different, which leads to a much deeper issue.
2. Differentiating Motivations: A Personal Example
In my situation, after being physically abused by my parents multiple times, I retaliated by hitting them a few times. However, saying that this act made me ‘equal’ to my abuser disregards the vastly different reasons behind each action. My parents’ actions were rooted in selfish, controlling reasons, while my retaliation came from deep sorrow, anger, and the desperate need to reclaim my lost dignity. These complex emotions cannot be reduced to simple actions. To equate the two actions ignores the complexity of human emotions and the weight of violated dignity.
3. The Role of Law: Protecting Dignity and Ensuring Justice
In this regard, the role of law becomes crucial. Unlike emotional revenge, which can be fueled by personal feelings and subjective judgment, the law aims to resolve conflicts based on objective and fair standards. The law does not only aim to restore the dignity of the victim, but also protects even the perpetrator from unjust private retribution and offers them an opportunity for rehabilitation. This is a fundamental principle of a civilized society that seeks to preserve the dignity of all individuals. Understanding this principle is essential when considering human behavior and dignity.
4. The Essence of Justice: Looking Beyond Surface-Level Actions
Using the “equality argument” based solely on surface-level actions fails to acknowledge the important context behind these actions. This concept ignores the motivations behind the behavior, which is crucial to understanding the human experience. To apply such simplistic reasoning is to abandon critical thought and overlook the complexity of human dignity. What truly matters is understanding the motivation behind actions and recognizing the importance of human dignity in all situations.
5. Conclusion: Justice, Law, and the Pursuit of Dignity
The law helps us address conflicts with rationality, respect, and dignity, preventing us from falling into emotional, unbalanced retaliation. As I consider a future in law enforcement, I’m reminded of the importance of pursuing justice with a focus on the deeper questions of human dignity, rather than relying on shallow phrases like “conflicts only happen between equals.” Law enables us to uphold justice, ensuring both the protection of victims and the rehabilitation of perpetrators in a way that respects the dignity of all parties involved.
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