(By: Dr. G.S, Sandhu, Fresno, CA) Fear is defined as a feeling of anxiety and ‘agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil or threatening to cause pain, In other words it is an emotion and like other emotions it can be controlled to be helpful and relieving. Fear like stress in life is an essential ingredient of normal life, while heightened stress and fear both bring about undesirable and harmful effects, but within normal limits they are both beneficial and protective.

Man’s greatest disciplinarians fear, from birth till death, as he strives to contain himself within limits of civilized life due to punishment for misdeeds, misbehavior and misadventure into the world of non-Growing children are taught the fear of free fall, fire, severe heat and cold. The fear of mother’s anger and rebukes keeps the child growing and learning the profit of caution and restraint. School going, children fear the annoyance of the teacher if they don’t do their lessons and fail to abide by the school discipline, Fear of censure by the peers keeps him in harmony with them. Thus fear enables the child to follow the right path in achieving their educational goals. Adults fear the punishment of law, laws which protect the society, as a whole. {They also fear the censure of ostracism from society if they fail to fall in line with the usual code of conduct. Lastly, Man’s “fear of God keeps him away from evil “howsoever profitable and tempting as it may seem to beside by side with instilling judicious fear in the mind of growing children, we also teach children the limits of genuine fear, When we encourage them to take first steps to stand, walk, run and play and other milestones of growth. This gives them confidence to handle situations requiring boldness and courage, Thus, there is the delicate balance between justified fear and overcoming fear when courage, confidence and boldness are needed for balanced growth and living, A criminal commits the crime because of this disturbed balance between good and bad. He is not afraid of the consequences of his misdeeds and it is well established that these criminals had a very unhappy and ‘unhelpful family background where proper training and guidance by parents was missing. Respect for the rights and property of others was never taught or easily neutralized by opposite effects learned on the street and neighborhood. Fear of punishment for misdeeds had never been taught to them, In the past, violence resulted in severe injuries and bodily damage and the sight of injury and his prolonged and painful, yet incomplete recovery, was a ‘great deterrent and warning to the would be criminal. But today’s use of firearms results in sudden death which eliminates that strong deterrent. Further the punishment, in this country, does not match the crime and is ridiculously low and in fact, it is victimization of the tax payer rather than the criminal, Criminals of violent crimes repeat their cruel and deadly acts immediately after release from the prison, a place more like a resort”, as a distinguished writer recently wrote.

Fear is essential to grow and live in harmony with society, law and God. Absence of fear will derail the individual and ‘misguide the mind. Fear teaches caution ‘and restraint, twin virtues which make life’s journey, a smooth and enjoyable sojourn on earth. In my opinion all this is the result of permissiveness in the society which undermines discipline. During the last 3 decades parents are strongly advised not to scold their children and let them do whatever they want, not to punish them for misdeeds and misbehavior. Even light and mild physical punishment, like a slap or shake is forbidden and verbal rebuke is not allowed. All this because of some, 50 called experts on children’s growth, say so. Most of the people in this country have willingly and unwillingly fallen prey to this advice with terrible result of youth becoming rudderless boats of human race, ‘They take drugs, commit violent rape, robberies and murders of innocent people and become evil parasites on society. What is paradox those parents feed them, love them, clothe them, educate them, but are forbidden to discipline them when they are young and growing. Permissive society has created a Frankenstein for itself with active collaboration from government. Both have ignored the ages old wisdom collected, sifted and scrutinized ‘over thousands of years, “Spare the rod and spoil the child”.

We have misled our youth on false beliefs and destroyed their lives. Let us make amends to these future leaders of this country by disciplining them to play their rightful role appropriately and constructively with judgment, wisdom and to serve the country and humanity.

Article extracted from this publication >>  October 27, 1995