"We are all douche bags by nature and only behave in a seemingly orderly fashion due to a social contract established and entered into by our forefathers many moons ago. Had it not have been for this social contract we would have proceeded in terrorisng one another, inceasantly reeking havoc on not only those in immediate contact with us but society at large." I think that is what Hobbes said...I could be wrong. Never the less I believe his findings are rude, dismissive and painfully true. The social contract to which he refers is what we now know as the law of the land, which we also know varies from household to household. The crux of the argument (as i understand it) was that even the most just and upstanding member of the community, would be found with chees-curl crumbs in his beard should he find himself in the chips isle during a black out at Pick n Pay.i.e We do bad things when we dont think we will be caught.
I found myself in the limp, hung-over grasp that is the first week of lectures (aka the week after O-week). Many first year students experienced their idea of freedom for the first time and already some are having their first head on encounter with the concept of responsibilty. It was during a heated debate between various members of the most powerful body at the University (also refered to as the kitchen staff) that the obvious but also illusive question was brought up: "Why do young adults behave so badly when they come to University?" Some blamed the governance of the university, others blamed their upbringing but one member posed: could it not be that they were terrible children their entire lives but now have the freedom to be terrible publically? I found this to be an interesting question. Not because it suggested that teenagers are terrible, we all know teenagers are terrible...no it was rather the question of freedom and the effect ones concept of freedom has on their behaviour.
Each individual has their own perception of freedom and the law. In our younger years, our parents word is the law. Punishment is immediate and obvious should we fail to abide by the law. Our actions are limited and our behaviour closely monitored to ensure that we know the law and do not deviate from it. From about the age of 16 an awakening happens. we meet rebels, who feel as oppressed and humiliated by the trivial law by which we live as we do, and some ideas are shared. We look forward to the day that we will escape the trecherous autonomy that is our parents' households and ultimately be free. Once we are out of the iron clasp of our parents' we enjoy this freedom which is mostly defined as "not having to answer to anyone."
Here is the thing about this particular type of freedom; it is short lived. Of course varsity is a time for fun and insanity but not being policed shouldnt be interpreted as a pass for being irresponsible. The absence of immediate and obvious repurcussions is often mistaken for no repercussions at all. Bad dicisions in high school would be nipped in the bud and have minimal effects, and then almost overnight a bad decision could ruine your career, reputation and possibly cost your parents tens of thousands of rands of tuition; most times one will not realise the damages caused by their actions until way after the fact. And just like that you are a grown up.
Am i saying one shouldn't wild out every now and again? No. In fact i knocked back a couple of drinks while writing this piece. What i am saying is that it should be noted that we all have to answer to someone...even if it is just to ourselves.
So Hobbes is right, we all behave badly when we think noone is looking, however attempting to whisper "the morning after pill" without offending the pharmasist with your boozy breath or sheepishly waiting in line for yet another shot of penicillin, should at least prove that the human body has laws of its own...and you cant be free from those.
