Pollution of the environment is a negative effect from human actions. Socio- culture refers to relationship between society and culture, such as way of life, customs, values and norms of living in a society. The corruption of socio-culture is a negative effect resulting from the actions of individuals who breach the way of life of a society. Discussions on socio-cultural issues focus on societies in the East, especially in Malaysia, as Eastern countries still strongly practise polite mannerisms. The people in these countries have always been noted for their good manners, decency and polite speech. However, these days, things have changed and the government has had to launch national campaigns on politeness and good manners. This is mainly due to fear that the practice of politeness would steadily decline if no action has been taken.
12.3.1 Black Metal
Lately, a group or following known as Black Metal has been gaining prominence due to its negative influence. Black Metal is one of the forms of corruption in socioculture that is spreading among the youths in this country. The younger generation are easily influenced by Black Metal to the point of disregarding their studies to carry out unproductive activities.
The Black Metal issue first drew attention due to the actions of certain followers who stepped on and burned the QurÊan. This behaviour is linked to anti-God and anti-social sentiments and devil worship. They are immersed in Black Metal music which is synonymous with the use of drugs, the Woodstock Festival, alcohol consumption, wild sexual activities and devil worship. Those involved in this genre often dress fully in black, display the five-pointed star symbol and wear inverted Christian crosses (as a sign of opposition to religion). During the shows, they tear up Bibles, behave violently with sharp weapons and skulls and display frightening Satanic images. It is these kinds of negative elements that are easily followed by the younger generation today, due to their weak faith.
12.3.2 Pornographic VCDs and Magazines
The boom in information technology and the era of globalisation have brought in negative influences that threaten social stability among the various societies in Malaysia, especially the youths. This progress has brought in the latest technology, which includes indecent entertainment, pornographic VCDs and magazines that are easily available at low prices.
These forms of pornographic media greatly influence the minds of the younger generation. This influence, in turn, has led to crimes such as rape, incest, abandoning babies and so on.
12.3.3 Pre-marital Sex
Almost all religions forbid pre-marital sex in order to preserve a long-lasting family unit. Conservative moralists believe that sexual desires have to be linked with deep love and affection. Thus, a person should only have sex with one person at a time.
Liberal moralists, however, believe a person should be free to have more than one sexual partner. Extreme liberal moralists go further in not only advocating premarital sex but that sex should not be linked with love. For them, sex is a physical enjoyment, similar to how a person should be able to enjoy delicious food without the moral guilt. They suggest that sex can be done with anyone, as long as there is no force or coercion involved.
12.3.4 Incest
Sexual morality is always under scrutiny to differentiate appropriate and correct sexual behaviour from inappropriate and wrong behaviour. Generally, sexual acts other than those between husband and wife are inappropriate and against the rules of society. However, there are many who believe that sexual behaviour which does not produce offspring and has consent to have sex discrectly should be beyond moral criticism or laws. This view greatly differs from the view of those who see sexual morality through the eyes of religion. According to Section 376A, incest means „a man or woman having intercourse with a partner who is related by family ties and this act is forbidden by law, religion and customs‰. Anyone found committing this offence can be punished by a jail term between 6 and 20 years, and caning.
12.3.5 Gangsterism
Gangsterism is becoming widespread these days. Gangsterism involves crimes like fighting, extortion and assault. This issue should be given close attention, especially by the government, politicians, police, school authorities and local society in order to prevent it from spreading further. Gangsterism usually involves school students.
The Education Ministry reported that there were gangsters actively recruiting schoolchildren. It is vital that parents, the authorities and society play their part in stopping this menace. Parents and society cannot place the responsibility to overcome this problem solely on the school authorities.
12.3.6 Amok
Stress, unstable emotion and mental illness are among conditions linked to a person going amok. Such a person is usually beyond control. He will kill anyone, destroy property and act violently. At the moment, incidences of amok frequently happen due to unstable judgement of the individuals as well as the lack of moral values due to ignorance or not having a definite goal in life. Incidences of amok among family members will usually end with the tragic deaths of the parents and children. Pressures of life such as poverty, jealousy and external pressures like threats from Ah Longs are also factors causing people to run amok. Amok is also due to deviant practices.
12.3.7 Snatch Theft
Snatch theft has become a daily occurrence in Malaysia. Snatch theft means illegally or forcibly taking the possessions of the rightful owner. Most snatch theft victims in this country are women. The most common possession snatched is handbags. There have been numerous cases of snatch thefts that have led to the victims suffering severe injuries or death.
Snatch theft cases occur due to the carelessness of the victims and their tendency to keep money or wallets/ purses pockets, exposed. Secondly, some wear jewellery in an obvious manner, clearly visible. Thirdly, there are those who jostle to board public transportation or in crowded places, carrying handbags and purses in ways that make it easy for a thief to snatch them. These snatch thefts often occur on lonely sidewalks and lanes, and in crowded places. The thieves often walk or ride motorcycles in deserted and lonely locations. Snatch thieves and pickpockets also operate in busy areas and they often target areas near a bank or car parks. The snatch thieves often observe and strike when the victims exit the bank or alight from the car.
Therefore, we should be wary and be on our guard to avoid being a victim. We should bring money that is sufficient for shopping and not overly in excess. Handbags should be held firmly to make it harder for thieves to snatch them. Wallets should be kept in buttoned pockets. One should also be wary of leaving handbags in areas that can be easily reached like the backseat of an unlocked car or motorcycle basket. We are encouraged to walk in groups along the road, in the direction of oncoming traffic. Do not wear excessive jewellery in public and avoid walking in crowded places where people are jostling. Do not be fooled by commotions involving strangers and people who offer to help clean your attire. Also avoid falling asleep on public vehicles and leaving your belongings unguarded. Do not be taken in by strangers trying to be friendly to you without any plausible reason, such as asking your name, where you stay and so on. Finally, immediately check your handbag or wallet should someone knock or bump into you.
ACTIVITY 12.3
The government has spent thousands of ringgit and drafted various laws to combat social ills. However, these ills show no signs of abating. What other steps can be taken to overcome them.
EXERCISE 12.2
Why should we prevent pre-marital sex and incest?