Saturday 2 June 2012

Corruption Is An Old Disease In A New World

By Velma Roberson


Corruption in Russia is a contemporary issue that is much spoken and written about in the media and in literature. Even at the highest levels of government it is seen at a serious sickness in society. For ordinary people it is a daily reality.

When research organizations rank countries in order of social decay Russia often comes dangerously high. It keeps company with failed dictatorships like Zimbabwe. This illustrates how pervasive it is in states both large and small.

In the sixteenth century Shakespeare warned European monarchs that when rulers are corrupt the sickness spreads throughout society. Nineteenth century Russian novelists conveyed similar messages in their works. Karl Marx, who kept a female slave given to him as a wedding present, provides a more practical illustration. The literature of most countries portrays the many ways in which corruption starts, and then spreads through both theory and practice.

The British media would suggest that Britain is the most corrupt country since politicians are held accountable, for petty theft or crimes like collusion on a daily basis. They often resign their posts before a case has been proved. This suggests that the rot may go unreported in the most corrupt countries. It may also indicate how the meaning of the concept is relative.

Inanimate objects often begin to rot in a small way and as the rot spreads it becomes less controllable. As the old saying goes one rotten apple in a barrel will soon render the whole lot rotten to the core. In human society the process is similar. One school child who steals from his peers may start a process of moral decay that spreads through a whole school.

corruption in Russia is widespread according to reviews and publications. Though it is not unique to the time or place it is a serious problem because like a serious illness, it is not easily cured. In the end the only effective treatment may be parents who teach their children what is right and wrong before the age of six. However, in the Internet age, this will have to happen in the context of free expression.




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