Analysis of Punishment and Its Affects
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of punishment. Specifically it will discuss the physical, emotional, and mental affects of each example. Many diverse and deviant forms of punishment and torture have used throughout the ages for intelligence, retribution, and even sexual pleasure. Pain, and the avoidance of pain, are two of the most motivating factors in human history. Most humans will do just about anything to avoid severe pain, and so, punishment and torture that mete out excruciating pain are incredibly effective in subjugating, humiliating, and ultimately breaking prisoners and suspects. And yet, pain can be pleasurable, too, and elicit sexual responses in some subjects. Each form of punishment elicits different responses and results in the individuals receiving and doling out the punishment. Forms of punishment that do not inflict permanent injury may not leave scars, but they are still effective ways to dominate, subjugate, and humiliate the victim.Physical punishment and torture are some of the most well-known and effective punishments known to humankind. Perhaps that is why that forms of punishment and torture have been used for thousands of years against enemies and crimi
Of course, physical punishment is not the only form of punishment and torture. There is also emotional and mental abuse, and these types of punishment can be even more devastating than physical pain. In fact, those who suffer from this type of prolonged abuse often suffer the most long-term affects. Unfortunately, mental abuse can have a long lasting affect on many because it produces feelings of guilt and self-worthlessness. Another author notes, "This point is also argued by Birgit Rommelspacher, who refers to instances of violence against women and children in which women project the blame onto themselves and exonerate the male perpetrators" (Noyes 17). In this form of mental punishment, which can range from humiliation, verbal abuse and even sensory deprivation, physical pain is not the main issue, although it may be a part of the punishment. This punishment bends and manipulates the mind in negative ways, convincing the victim they are worthless, stupid, and devoid of any common sense. These emotional abuses cause turmoil in the victim, and give the perpetrator a strong feeling of self-worth and power. That is one reason they continue this punishment - put simply, it makes them feel good to make another feel bad. Some victims of this form of punishment may never fully recover their mental health. They may face therapy as they try to overcome their feelings of self-hatred, and they may never forgive their tormenter. In addition, they may foster the condition on others, and their punishers may never overcome their need to belittle and emotionally punish the people around them. This type of punishment may be the most destructive, as it is difficult to perceive, and even more difficult to control. Sexual torture used as a form of punishment is one of the most heinous. It is usually used against women by men, but it can be used against victims of the same sex, too. Rage and a feeling of "getting even" usually accompany this form of punishment and so, the punishment is especially atrocious and memorable. The victim may bear emotional scars long after the incident takes place, and sexually transmitted disease can be transmitted during sexual acts, which could create health issues and even death to the victim. Guards enter a prisoner's concrete cell, shackle and gag him, and tell him he's going for a "bath." The prisoner is led to a tub of scalding water in the infirmary, in which he is placed naked, still restrained and gagged, and held down by several guards for thirty minutes. He suffers second- and third-degree burns over 30 per cent of his body. Chile, 1974? No. California, 1992 (Bierma). In conclusion, punishment is an effective form of mental and physical control. It can leave a physical or emotional mark, but it can also create intense pleasure and sexual release. All pain releases chemicals into the body, as author Peters continues. He notes, "The first stimulations excite complex sets of receptors, generate increased sweat and blood flow, and begin the process of synthesizing the major chemical components of pain: small amounts of histamine and serotonin, the larger peptides like bradykinin, and the prostaglandins" (Peters 165). Thus, all punishment associated with pain creates physical reactions that can rarely be controlled. Pain also releases endorphins into the bloodstream to help counteract the body's reaction to the pain. Endorphins create pleasurable sens
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Approximate Word count = 2309
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)
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