Sunday, August 10, 2008

Rules...are they difficult to follow?



Rules. Are they really difficult to follow?

When I say rules , I mean not only government laws, but also the rules of our housing society, malls, theaters you visit, so on and so forth.

Look at the picture (concentrate on the red box). Do you see it? No? Let me tell you. Parking under the No Parking sign. Is it rare? I don't think so.

If I analyse the situation my way, I spot the following points:
  • We, as Indians, seem to possess a strange pride in breaking rules. Don't believe me? Then see the face of a teenager who has jumped a traffic light. See it? The strange pride?
  • When we break rules, we tend to neglect the one mute, but important spectator, the kids. They are watching us. Result? Inherent disrespect for rules from a very early stage in life.
  • Lousy management on part of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. They allow (intentionally or unintentionally) freedom for lawbreakers. Delayed or lack of judgment converts the rest into 'probable law breakers', as they see no one getting punished.
  • No respect for one's own life and the resulting risk on others' lives. For example, Helmets. Why aren't we ready to wear helmets? Is there any doubt that it saves lives? Then why do we need a special drive by police to make us wear it?
What's the solution? I have a few in my mind. Feel free to post in your thoughts.
  • Short term solutions - Stricter and faster punishment to offenders. This should warn others to not follow them. Make the message clear that there is no heroism in breaking rules.
  • Long term solutions -
  1. Respect for law should be ingrained our kids very early in life, maybe as a part of their curriculum and very important one. And not just teach them, follow them yourself (ask yourself, is it that difficult?)
  2. Strengthen law enforcement agencies to catch the offenders
  3. Enable the judicial system to deliver judgment in a quick manner. The people should believe that if they are caught breaking law, they will be punished for sure.
These solutions are easier said than done, but they can be achieved.

What am I going to do? On my part, I will not break any law or rules, although there is no watch dog. Believe me, it's not difficult. At least you have a clear conscience.