Theodore Dalrymple’s cover story about our sentimental and brutal society (‘Too many teardrops’, 1 September) has given me an idea.
Our thuggish society
Sir: Theodore Dalrymple’s cover story about our sentimental and brutal society (‘Too many teardrops’, 1 September) has given me an idea. In order to reduce the impact of the British disease of vulgarity and rudeness, the principle of offsetting could be extended beyond carbon pollution.
I concede that a donation to the society of polite gentlefolk would not necessarily solve the problem, but it would help and it would remind us that incivility is not morally neutral.
The offset system could also be applied to all forms of ‘isms’, allowing guilt to be offset by generous donations to the appropriate charity or movement. It’s too late, perhaps, to change our horrible ways, but at least someone would benefit.
Rodney Garrood
Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Sir: The killing of Rhys Jones indeed resulted in the ‘ersatz emotion’ so characteristic of the value-less British society which has developed in the past 20 years.
These attacks of ‘emotional incontinence’ can only increase until families realise that their abiding by basic values, and instilling them in their children, is a necessity.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in