I would like to think that, unlike this novel, which was set against a romantic backdrop in England in the 18th century, we are living in a far more unromantic time of no(n)sense and insensibility. This is a time where fact is becoming stranger than fiction.
And this is specifically applicable when it comes to this country’s morals, as it seems the quest for some kind of morality is anything but sensible.
Consider four latest case studies, which underline the point that this is an age where it seems very little make sense and people aren’t very sensible in their actions, morally speaking.
Case study number one: the recent banning of the film Of Good Report, which was then unbanned, but yes, it may be banned again!
The film, which raises the moral issue of teenage sex, was labelled “pornographic” by the Film and Publication Board, but the separate Appeals Tribunal overturned the original ruling.
This ruling is being contested.
When are we going to learn that censorship doesn’t really work, it just creates more hype?
When the film, about a love affair between a teacher and a 16-year-old pupil, was eventually screened on the final day of the 34th Durban International Film Festival, on Sunday, it was to a packed audience.
Even more interesting is that Of Good Report has been selected for screening at the Toronto Film Festival, in September.
And, by some accounts, it has also been snapped up for six other prominent film festivals, where it will be shown in December and January.
Therefore, the rather senseless act of banning something when trying to make a social point has indeed backfired, just proving we live in a time of nonsense.
Case study two: Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called for religious leaders to do their part to rehabilitate criminals, as this is seen not to be the sole responsibility of the Correctional Services department.
He called upon religious leaders to play a more active role to heal victims of crime and rehabilitate offenders, so that they return to society as better human beings.
The emphasis on the religious community getting involved is to encourage moral regeneration, coupled with basic values and cultures.
He said: “I have no doubt in my mind that the religious community is best positioned to play a decisive role in setting right the hearts, minds and souls of South Africans.
“As long as we do not make moral regeneration a central theme of our conduct, we will find ourselves having progressed one step forward, and regressed 10 steps backward.”
Congratulations Minister, this case study proves that there is some kind of hope when it comes to the moral plight of this land. It doesn’t help just to lock up a criminal, because he will keep on committing crime.
The root problem of his very morality and morals should be addressed, which is the duty of society, which starts with parents, schools and the religious fraternity.
Case study three: a new law is being drafted to make it illegal for parents to spank their children at home.
That is even more nonsense. The message that is being punted is that parents have to take responsibility and raise their children with proper values, but without being allowed to practice any form of discipline.
That just doesn’t make it any sense.
Sure, in the past, some parents got a bit abusive, and sure, some teachers got pretty violent (remember those days?), but, overall, didn’t the generations who grew up with some form of discipline turn out to be more, well, disciplined?
We have taken away military conscription and we have taken away disciplinary action in schools, and now we want to disarm parents as well?
Prepare yourself for hooliganism, lawlessness and disorder.
And so the quest for a moral society will sink faster than the Titanic.
Case study four: a recent audit has revealed that 1 448 police employees have committed crime themselves.
Enough said. Our police officers who are supposed to protect us are, by all accounts, immoral.
No wonder we live in a time of nonsense and insensibility – our defenders of law and order are not, themselves, governed by the law.
I will not even speak of our government. I would rather leave this beast alone, lest my own senses flee in total despair.
So, to sum up: the Department of Correctional Services wants to enhance moral regeneration, but this will remain a fruitless struggle because, without a doubt, the political will to drive moral regeneration lacks, if we consider the madness that is going around to censor, it seems, good old values.
