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.
NK.C. Whalley Hindhead, Surrey Sir: Theodore Dalrymple has caught the spirit of the age; it's called Dianafication. The maudlin, sentimental reaction he describes following the murder of Rhys Jones presents further evidence of the moral rot and degeneration of the British people.
Michaeli Wingert Penn Bottom, Buckinghamshire
Previous page
