From Dictionary.com:
in⋅no⋅cent
1. free from moral wrong; without sin; pure: innocent children.
2. free from legal or specific wrong; guiltless: innocent of the crime.
3. not involving evil intent or motive: an innocent misrepresentation.
4. not causing physical or moral injury; harmless: innocent fun.
5. devoid (usually fol. by of): a law innocent of merit.
6. having or showing the simplicity or naiveté of an unworldly person; guileless; ingenuous.
7. uninformed or unaware; ignorant.
in⋅no⋅cent
1. free from moral wrong; without sin; pure: innocent children.
2. free from legal or specific wrong; guiltless: innocent of the crime.
3. not involving evil intent or motive: an innocent misrepresentation.
4. not causing physical or moral injury; harmless: innocent fun.
5. devoid (usually fol. by of): a law innocent of merit.
6. having or showing the simplicity or naiveté of an unworldly person; guileless; ingenuous.
7. uninformed or unaware; ignorant.
Stories of the innocent being hurt really get under my skin. Children and animals are innocent. Even many adult humans are innocent. Innocence is a hard concept to define, but in my own words, I would say that innocence is an inability to understand cruelty.
Cruelty can come in many guises. Sometimes it's in the 'it's for your own good' guise, or sometimes it's just what it is... unexplainable acts of meanness, brutality, or violence, done on purpose.
As moral people, I believe that it's our job to protect the innocent to the best of our abilities. Cruelty can be physical, emotional, or even intellectual. Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde types exist in many people.
Cruel people tend not to hurt other cruel people. I think this is because there is no 'power' in it. Another cruel person will just be cruel back, which is not the intention the first cruel person wants. Some people are so rotten that to be cruel to someone innocent, even an animal, is their way of feeling powerful.
If I had the ability to 'fix' the world, I would take away power structures, and make everyone equal, with no ability to take power away from others. If you believe there is a natural heirarchy, people above animals, for example, there should be some sense of responsibility for those on top of the pyramid to reach out and protect the ones that fall at the bottom.
There are many people who play games with human life, such as politicians. However having a strategy doesn't necessarily equate with having to play a game. Strategies need to take account of what is the most good for the most people.
Stories of people harming the innocent make me sick to my soul. Although there is a lot more thought to be done to flesh out my feelings on this, I can say that it's just wrong, totally wrong, to use a natural inherent power against anyone or anything.
Unintentional cruelty is different, and if one can make amends to the person who suffers, one should. With great freedom comes great responsibility...
All best,
Rose
