violent society

For the first time in my life a violent action happens before my very eyes and in so early day. A man, apparently unfortunate petty thieves, was held tightly by one person while he was beaten up by yet another man. The unfortunate one didn't say anything like "help" or "don't hurt me" or alike, he just tried to cover his body, helplessly, from kicks and punches. He might have realized that whatever he said would never change his fate. He was doomed, maybe to death at that moment, like what happened to other petty thieves before him when gotten caught red handed. So, beating up a caught thieve happens often.

How about reaction from people? Indonesian, at least from my daughter's school material, were well known as friendly people with smile in their faces. But this was exactly what happening when the violence occured. A person beside me, with white small cap on the head, murmured coldly."He is dead, he must be dead, he shouldn't have stolen, look what happens now, he is caught and will be dead". This man with white cap looked so calm and pious, yet the words coming from his mouth were not in the same line with his appearance.
The reaction was quite different from a young lady in front of me. Her tattoed lower back and accessories would lead any man to fantasy, and the violence stunned her. She suddenly lost her smile and became pale. No words at all, she was shocked.

I could not do anything, it happened on my way to office while I was cramped in a public transport. It struck me hard. The scene rolling and rolling in my head. I thank God that there was a police officer nearby. He approached right before more people were joining the "rites" to beat up the sinner.