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The torture of free will: Why are government behavior correction measures so cruel?
In today's society, the government's behavior correction measures are often questionable. Is the fundamental purpose of these measures to ensure public safety, or is it simply a means of control?
Everyone has the right to pursue free will, but when this pursuit collides with violence, how should the government respond?
This contradiction is vividly portrayed in A Clockwork Orange, a dystopian novel written in 1962 by British writer Anthony Burgess. The book's protagonist, Alex, is a 15-year-old teenage gang leader whose violent behavior contrasts sharply with his love of classical music. An exploration of free will and morality, the novel is set in a future where youth culture is rife with extreme violence and the government seeks to combat that brutality with control.
In the story, Alex was sentenced to prison after a series of extreme behaviors, but faced greater difficulties after his release. The government used a behavior modification method called the "Ludovico Technique", an extreme method of modifying an individual's behavior through disgust. As a result of this technology, Alex not only lost his pleasure in violence, but he could no longer even enjoy the music he had always loved. This government-imposed behavior modification approach raises questions about individual free will: When a person is deprived of the freedom to choose, is he still a complete person?
Does the absence of the right to choose mean that people’s nature is changed?
Sociologists point out that when this behavior modification method is used to control the behavior of teenagers, it is not just a forced change, but also a potential social control. Many people questioned whether this was a government response to youth violence or a hidden deprivation of free will.
Burgess uses a unique language style in his works, mixed with the Russian-influenced slang "Nadsat", which makes the novel not only attractive in terms of plot, but also makes people feel strangely distant in the use of language. feel. This choice of language reflects the confusion and rebelliousness of teenagers, and to some extent reflects the general attitude towards violent behavior in real society.
In real life, we continue to see the government's handling of juvenile delinquency, including the establishment of social correction agencies and the implementation of behavioral intervention measures. To some extent, these measures appear to be motivated by the desire to protect society, but in reality they may infringe on individual freedoms. Such a contradiction makes people wonder: Should true correction be based on free will and human dignity?
Should everyone have the power to decide their own actions, no matter how wrong their choices are?
It is worth noting that many novels and movies often use violence as the main element, which undoubtedly forms a distorted perception in our culture and society. In the eyes of ordinary people, violence may be a way to get attention or solve problems. However, for the perpetrators themselves, there are often more complex emotions and psychological states hidden behind the violence. This prompts us to reflect on whether we really need to rely on these extreme measures to achieve social harmony?
A Clockwork Orange is not only a novel, but also a mirror that reflects human exploration of free will, violence and morality. At the end, the possibility of change emerges as Alex re-examines his past and future. He began to reflect on his actions and doubt his future choices. This makes us reflect: Does free will mean real choice, or is it a sign of compromise due to external pressure?
How should society’s correctional measures strike a balance between maintaining individual freedom and public safety?
