Justice vs Revenge
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
May 5, 2009 9:37am CST
One of the problems in our society today is, too many people don't seem to understand the difference between justice and revenge. In fact, from reading and listening to people, I'm stuck with the conclusion that too many don't think there's a difference at all.
Of course, there are similarities. Both are based on the idea that some actions are "unacceptable" and require some sort of retribution. However, just because there are similarities, doesn't mean they are the same thing.
Revenge is about individuals. Someone did something to someone else, so the someone else is going to make the someone pay. When a person seeks revenge, they don't care about facts or proof. They know what they know and that's all there is to it. Someone offended them personally and by golly, that person is going to pay... period. It's personal and vindictive.
Justice puts a barrier between the accused and their accusers. It removes the emotion cluttering up the situation so that facts can be determined. It is about someone listening to both sides of the case, discussing the facts and coming to a logical conclusion.
The vengeful person might work within the system of justice, but they'll rarely feel satisfied with any outcome that differs from what they would do if left to themselves. However, Justice isn't about satisfying the victims, in fact, it isn't about the victims at all. For that matter, it isn't even about the accused. Justice is about law and order.
The difference between revenge and justice is, justice seeks to maintain civility in a society, vengeance seeks nothing more than to victimize the victimizer.
2 people like this
8 responses
@lilwonders456 (8214)
• United States
5 May 09
you are right. A lot of people think there is no difference between revenge and justice. When there is a world of difference. It is unfortunate state of affairs.
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
6 May 09
I agree that many speak out in the name of justice but are really promoting revenge. All those who cry "It's righteous anger" come to mind. Personally, I feel one should just admit that they are doing what they are doing, and stop trying to sugar coat it.
I also agree that justice is not always served. Just look at the sentence for rapists. They get 2-5 years, but are generally out in 6 months on good behavior. It' further victimizes the victim, causing more pain and hurt.
I'm not sure I agree that justice is what keeps us civil. I would say compassion is what keeps us civil.
Namaste-Anora
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 May 09
I agree, our system is too lax on violent criminals and often too harsh on non violent offenders.
Yes, for most of us compassion is what keeps us civil... it's kind of like the "lock" thing... we who aren't thieves don't care if the door is locked or not, the only ones who notice are the thieves.
There are people who don't kill, rape or molest because they don't want to risk prison though, so until the 2nd coming, I guess we are stuck with the need for man's laws and man's justice.
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
6 May 09
I feel karma does a good job, and that is what reincarnation is for. Perhaps it just takes some more life times than others to learn those lessons.
Namaste-Anora
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 May 09
Yes, there is the justice of the universe (whether it be from God, Karma or what have you), that is a whole different discussion in Justice Vs. Revenge. We can agree though, that justice doesn't wrongly punish, nor does it let people off early for good behavior. :~)
@visitorinvasion (7709)
• United States
6 May 09
I'm in full agreement. Unfortunately, justice can be overthrown by the twist of a few laws or just outright crookedness. It is sad when a so-called civilized society will stand for that type if incivility simply because it isn't affecting them personally.
@visitorinvasion (7709)
• United States
8 May 09
Yes, that does sort of bring the Salem witch trials to mind. Great example of injustice by the supposedly just.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 May 09
True, Justice can be turned to Injustice all too quickly... often at the demand of those who consider themselves "just".
1 person likes this
@Adoniah (7513)
• United States
5 May 09
Very Good Post. People are too hung up on Vengeance. We should be more interested in Justice. There should be a feeling of vindication when true Justice is done. There used to be.
People have lost their way today. Many claim to follow a religion and to have strong feelings that way, but they do not seem to be living it. Unless you call the improper translation of "an eye for an eye" following a religion. That is not what the Bible actually says. It is saying "pay for an eye for an eye" not literaly gouge out an eye.
We need to seek Justice when we are harmed and then we need to seek solice from family and friends until we have worked through the inner turmoil and gotten on with our lives. They say it takes a Village to raise a child. Well, it still takes a Village help folks after they are grown.
Shalom~Adoniah
@sunil_008 (1269)
• India
6 May 09
well, i believed in "eye for an eye" which now i think is not right. no matter whatever may be the situation.but you know human emotions that run high sometimes. so people just forget about justice and revenge as two different words...there are few things in life where only revenge can make people's soul satisfied any justice can't...well, its different for different persons.if i lose my job for someone else's fault then i won't seek revenge but of course ask for justice but if i have to lose my near or dear ones because of someone then i won't ask for justice then...
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 May 09
Are you sure you want to live in a society where revenge is what is sought if you cause someone else to lose a near or dear one?
Are you really willing to demand "eye for an eye" against someone who caused a car accident because they were momentarily destracted at exactly the wrong moment?
@paolo412 (41)
• Philippines
6 May 09
for me a lot of people are into revenge because they see justice as something that will satisfy them, or maybe justice to slow, or worst justice sometimes can be manipulated at the right price.
usually the wealthy people can easily escape crimes they have committed, this is why a lot of people doesn't favor justice anymore since it can be bend.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
5 May 09
This is true. I can't think of any examples at the moment but there have been many times when the media has "convicted" someone of something before all of the facts were in yet, once they were, the picture changed.
