Could The Purge Concept Be Realized in Modern Society?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "The Purge" from the movie franchise and whether such a scenario could realistically occur in modern society. Participants explore the psychological implications of crime, societal behavior, and the potential consequences of allowing a designated time for crime without legal repercussions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of the Purge, suggesting that the underlying logic of purging negative emotions to reduce crime is not sound.
  • Another participant expresses strong opposition to the idea, describing it as monstrous and highlighting the personal harm that could arise from others committing crimes freely.
  • Some participants argue that a Purge would lead to anarchy, emphasizing the fear of being victimized during such an event.
  • There is a comparison made between the Purge and historical atrocities, such as World War II, with one participant suggesting that the casualties from the Purge would be less severe, while another counters that the contexts are not equivalent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the viability and morality of the Purge concept, with some viewing it as a dangerous idea and others attempting to contextualize it within historical events. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

The discussion touches on complex psychological and societal themes, but lacks a thorough exploration of the assumptions underlying the arguments. There are also unresolved comparisons between fictional scenarios and real historical events.

kiki_danc
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Do you consider the Purge as science fiction? I don't know where to post non-science fiction movie, why is there no forum for it.

I'd like to know if the Purge can really occur in our world. The logic is that crimes occur because of deep negative subconscious reservoir.. and when you can purge all your negative emotions.. then you would be free.

In the movie.. once a year for 12, crimes can be committed for free so the people can purge all the negative emotions and there would be much less crimes throughout the year. Can this occur in a any nation in the foreseeable future? If there would be public debate about this. What defense can you give that would not justify the Purge occurring in your country?

I watch The Purge at tv every week and keep wondering about this.
 
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There is no reason to believe this would work - or that the basis for it is sound.
 
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kiki_danc said:
I'd like to know if the Purge can really occur in our world. The logic is that crimes occur because of deep negative subconscious reservoir.. and when you can purge all your negative emotions.. then you would be free.
It's a monstrous idea.

I'm a relatively law-abiding man. Crimes hurt me. Committing a (harmful) crime myself would scar me.

The thought of every other person in my region being allowed to commit crimes that will deprive, hurt, or even kill me, is about as close to hell as I can imagine.

I like to think that most other people are like me. A purge would turn the world into anarchy.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
It's a monstrous idea.

I'm a relatively law-abiding man. Crimes hurt me. Committing a (harmful) crime myself would scar me.

The thought of every other person in my region being allowed to commit crimes that will deprive, hurt, or even kill me, is about as close to hell as I can imagine.

I like to think that most other people are like me. A purge would turn the world into anarchy.

But we already have something far worse than the Purge.. for example. In world war II. Millions were butchered and mutilated. The Purge would have much less casualties.
 
kiki_danc said:
But we already have something far worse than the Purge.. for example. In world war II. Millions were butchered and mutilated. The Purge would have much less casualties.
Hardly an equivalent.
Generally, those in harm's way were soldiers. And they had training. And guns. And they were given orders for strategy.
It wasn't simply visceral mayhem and wanton destruction just for the high.
 
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Discussing indiscriminate killings is not appropriate for PhysicsForums.

Thread closed.
 
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