Boys will be boys: ever wondered why?
16 January 2011
BY PHILIP FITZPATRICK
BERNARD SINAI’S short story, The Taming of the Tiger, is about the genesis of violence in young men. It follows from Russell Soaba’s edgy story, Portrait of a Parable.
Both stories demonstrate the power of literature in social debate.
The logic of male aggression goes something like this: men have to be aggressive to compete for a mate in the relentless drive to perpetuate their genes. Why that is sometimes manifest in cowardly domestic violence is curious – perhaps a wife or child is simply the nearest available target and the least likely to fight back.
In many societies, especially western ones, male aggression has been diverted into sport and other macho physical activities. When you see a pile of blokes running around in a paddock vying to force a sperm-like ball through the open legs of the goal posts it is obvious what is going on.
In Papua a number of the early administrators, like Musgrave and Scratchley, observed that a major preoccupation of the people was the extermination of their neighbours through raiding and head hunting. This, of course, was the channelling of natural male aggression, although some women also showed themselves handy with a bow and arrow.
In 1926 the government anthropologist, Frank Williams, went to Suau to investigate a mysterious decline in population. He turned over every stone he could find but didn’t really reach a conclusion. He did observe, however, that since the advent of the missionaries and administrators and the suppression of clan warfare the people’s enthusiasm for life had diminished considerably.
Williams expressed the view that religion, particularly of the austere and colourless variety, was a poor substitute for war and, mindful of Cecil Abel’s introduction of the sport at Kwato, suggested there should be “less Christ and more Cricket”.
Putting people to work has a similar effect. When you think about it there isn’t much in some parts of Papua New Guinea, particularly the towns, for the more unimaginative men to do other than get drunk and beat up their wives.
The highlanders have got back into raping and pillaging in a big way, of course, and seem inured to the attractions of rugby and the like. In places like Port Moresby crime is a good substitute; in this case it is the risky act rather than the proceeds that is the attraction.
What to do?
Papua New Guinea is not really in a position to declare war on anyone but beefing up the military and the police might be a useful diversion with positive social spinoffs. But one shouldn’t be flippant; for many women and children it is a very serious matter.
And, of course, it’s not a peculiarly Papuan New Guinean problem; try some of Australia’s outback towns and less salubrious (and occasionally wealthy) suburbs for instance.
I see character building as being about building the right connections in your brain - helping with the 'hardwiring'. It is too often and too easily overlooked. And mostly because we're not taking control of the learning environment, OBE or not!
It has been an abiding notion that much of todays social agenda can be tackled in part by addressing the integral development of young men.
Another notion is that, when it comes to raising children, women are not all that innocent either. There are social settings where parenting (from men and womenn) is just bad, and in many cases, inexcusably so.
Posted by: Icarus | 17 January 2011 at 03:56 PM
This very important subject Phil raises needs more attention.
At the risk of offending the odd creationist who might read this, science tells us through gene regression that humans originated from a common ancestor of the chimpanzee somewhere around seven million years ago.
We are genetically almost entirely the same make up with just 1.6% difference - looks, mannerisms, ability to speak and whatever makes us distinctly human.
If we look at the recorded behaviour of our nearest animal cousin, we see violence, genocide and all the behaviours we denigrate in humans. Are the seeds of our own destruction already within us?
Gratuitous violence has been with humans from the start and even our fairy tales and fables are strewn with examples of mayhem.
Look at most cartoons of yesteryear and what you see is violence. Any child growing up in a rural environment will see it or hear of it as a matter of course.
Is protecting children from our violent world therefore practical? Look at what happens when natural disasters occur? People who have never had to cope with violence in whatever form find it hard to comprehend.
Many educated writers have commented on the apparent ‘hardwiring’ of the human brain. Most male brains function differently to most female brains.
Most females feel better if they talk about their problems and most males get frustrated just listening. This is because most male brains are hardwired to work out solutions to problems and not spend a seemingly inordinate time discussing them.
Many male brains are reportedly hardwired into two course of action. This is called the ‘fight or flight’ scenario. If you can’t win the battle, the next best approach to survive is to run away.
Many females do not understand this instinctive, male reaction and find it difficult to deal with. It’s fair to say that many males don’t understand it either.
Young men progressing through adolescence are coping with increased testosterone levels that cause them to be particularly susceptible to violence. Look at the fixated interest young males have in violent video games.
Males who feel they have been dealt a poor hand in life’s game are very prone to acts of violence. Those who promote wars find this aspect very useful.
Understanding the problems is the first step in finding solutions. Providing practical alternatives for those who feel left out, bypassed and with low esteem is a first major step.
The examples of where this has helped young men develop into good and caring citizens abound. All it takes is the will on both sides to find a way.
Posted by: Paul Oates | 17 January 2011 at 11:56 AM
Is PNG society consciously and conscientiously doing enough to provide structure and enjoyable life experiences, and good role models and nurture for our children's characters?
If we were to rate ourselves on this most important task, on a scale of 1 to 10, methinks as low as 2.
Secondly, what does this have to do with politics? As the conqueror of Jerusalem said, "Nothing. Everything".
Posted by: Icarus | 17 January 2011 at 08:59 AM
Phil - I wrote a piece about violence in PNG back in July last year, and I think you are right - naming and shaming the perpetrators is one powerful option.
Like the policeman who is violating his family in Moresby right now, but has not been brought to book - see Post-Courier for details.
I too am amazed by the PNG writing talent revealed by The Crocodile Prize. Perhaps finding creative outlets for young men's energy is another part of the answer.
I have befriended a few 'raskols'. Many do not really want to live a life of crime or violence, but see not other options. At heart many of them are reasonable blokes.
I even met one student who said he used to be raskol, but got the opportunity to go to Uni and thought this would be better for his future. He became a good friend.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 16 January 2011 at 11:44 AM
Thanks Peter. Your comments highlight the complexity of the problem. I was being flippant about the military and police. As an old national service avoider and Vietnam war opponent, not to mention pacifist and vegetarian, the last thing I would recommend is a right wing mentality of the "bring back national service" variety.
Don't you think, though, that it is necessary to highlight the stereotypes to bring the problem into focus? If you don't they remain hidden and out of view and nobody does anything.
Corruption in PNG needs to be exposed so we can do something about it people say; why doesn't male aggression and violence need exposing too?
Anyway, what do you think about Bernard Sinai's story? I reckon it's a ripper. I'm continually amazed at the talent that lies in PNG.
I've just forwarded a copy of a story by Jeffrey Febi to Keith which is also fantastic - hopefully we'll see it on the blog shortly.
__________________
Jeffrey's latest short story, which is a small masterpiece, will be published on Tuesday - KJ
Posted by: Phil Fitzpatrick | 16 January 2011 at 10:26 AM
Phil - I must take issue with you. Your characterisation of PNG males is generalised and stereotypical, especially concerning the Highlanders.
There are more subtle social factors at work that lead to violence - including bride price traditions, compensation mentality, the breakdown of traditional checks and balances etc.
I agree from experience that there is a problem with the male ego in some parts of PNG which finds it hard to treat women as equals - see the latest farce over the nominations for Governor-General.
But to suggest they all be shoved into the Army or Police is Joh Bjelke-Petersen mentality at its worst. I've seen the results of tribal conflicts being interposed on policing, and it is not pretty.
The answer must lie in the alleviation of poverty, providing better education, encouraging civil-society initiatives and self-reliance, and boosting local medical and social support services, many of which have been sadly neglected since independence.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 16 January 2011 at 08:07 AM