Could / would you kill?

[Dorset Girl]

Another light-hearted topic to get us in the festive mood… sorry!

Okay, first up, I’m not feeling like I want to go out and murder someone, don’t worry. But I am genuinely interested in people’s views. Please read the next paragraph before selecting a poll answer, so that you can understand exactly what I’m asking.

Humans have a ‘moral code’, with ‘thou shalt not kill’ being somewhere near the top. But – are there any circumstances where you think you would be capable of ending the life of another human? Are there any events or actions by another person that would make you so incensed, and perhaps beyond reason, that instinct would take over and your actions may be out of your control? What about if you were ‘called up’ to fight for your country – could you stand face-to-face with the enemy and pull the trigger? How about if someone you loved was desperately ill and wanted you to assist them with suicide?

I’m not talking about pre-planned murder here, I’m talking about ‘spur of the moment’ actions – many of which would be called ‘manslaughter’, I suspect. So – be honest - do you think it could ever happen? I don’t suppose anyone can answer the question for sure, which is why I deliberately haven’t put a ‘maybe’ option – everyone would probably pick that!

I can’t even begin to estimate how bad this will look for me if I’m the only person who picks ‘yes’ - but I have provided an explanation for why I’m asking this in the next post.

EDIT: Hehe, this question looks a bit odd sitting on the forum next to 'do you feel festive?'

[Dorset Girl]

So – why on Earth did I suddenly come up with this question? I mentioned a while ago that I’ve been having some incredibly vivid nightmares recently. Well, last night I dreamed that someone deliberately stamped on my cat to try and kill her! In my dream, I was so overcome with rage that I got up, walked over to them and basically strangled them!

It felt so real that when I woke up, I was shaking, and I couldn’t fall asleep again for a couple of hours afterwards. But the feeling I had at first wasn’t ‘Oh my God, I’ve killed someone!’ it was ‘How could someone do this to a cat?’ I feel so strongly about mindless cruelty to animals that, if that situation happened in real life, I think I might just lose it completely and not care what I did to the other person. Okay, maybe I wouldn’t actually bash their brains out (and if I did, I would be horrified at what I had done), that was the dream talking. But what if it was a kid they were trying to kill? What if it was my kid? Or my sister?

So – I pick ‘yes’. The idea horrifies me, but there are some situations where I think rational thought would disappear completely.

[Moon-Crane]

Happy holidays

I can say yes without worry, to be honest. In a spur of the moment situation instinct kicks in, and human instinct is to lash out and do whatever to protect/defend your own life.

I'm not at all one of those people who wants to take hold of convicted rapists, serial killers, etc, and dish out 'revenge'. I have no will to want to kill anyone else for what they've done - people in glass houses, and all that - but in a situation, for example, where someone had broken into my house and was a potential danger, i will strike first and question later. There's probably a number of other situations i could roll off, if i thought about it.

I'd have to hear a pretty exceptional explanation by somebody who wouldn't, in any situation whatsoever. I'd have to think them a liar, or deluded.

[Dorset Girl]

Phew, thank you MC, I was a bit worried when I posted this poll that either no one would answer or I'd have insults chucked at me, so I'm glad you posted!

Has anyone seen the film 'A Time To Kill'?

[Moon-Crane]

Has anyone seen the film 'A Time To Kill'?

Never actually watched it. One of the pile i keep meaning to get around to.

[Dorset Girl]

Has anyone seen the film 'A Time To Kill'?

Never actually watched it. One of the pile i keep meaning to get around to.

The premise is (sorry if you know this already) that two white men rape and almost murder a little black girl, doing her permanent damage, and her father kills the men. The outcome's quite predictable, but it's a good film I think. Not sure if it's based on a true story.

[Moon-Crane]

Has anyone seen the film 'A Time To Kill'?

Never actually watched it. One of the pile i keep meaning to get around to.

The premise is (sorry if you know this already) that two white men rape and almost murder a little black girl, doing her permanent damage, and her father kills the men. The outcome's quite predictable, but it's a good film I think. Not sure if it's based on a true story.

Yeah, i should make an effort to watch it.

Again, in a real life situation, i wouldn't be able to judge him for it. Can't tell whether i would do the same thing - it's incomprehensible really until you're in a situation, and i'll pray to all the gods that none of us ever have to be.

I'm assuming, in the film, that the 'justice system' let him down? Or did that not come in to it?

[Dorset Girl]

I'm assuming, in the film, that the 'justice system' let him down? Or did that not come in to it?

Do you mind major 'spoilers'? I'll tag them in case. The last spoilered paragraph gives it away completely!

[spoiler]The main theme of the film is racism, really. His jury was all white at a time when racism was very prevalent in the southern US. His lawyer is white too, but believes in him. The lawyer has the KKK after him, and all sorts of hideous things happen to him and his family.

The 'summation' speech at the end is incredibly well-written, I think. The lawyer takes the jury through everything that happened to the girl, saying things like "imagine if a ten-year old girl was brutally raped again and again, doing her so much internal damage that she could never have children... imagine that she was then beaten, urinated on and left for dead.... Now imagine that the girl is white." Of course this 'converts' the jury, and he is voted 'not guilty'. [/spoiler]

[CatNamedRudy]

Without having read anyone elses responses, I voted yes.

If it came down to it, I'm not sure I could ever actually do it but there are times when I think I could. Certainly, if it was kill or be killed. And if it was in defense of someone I loved. (as in their life was in immediate danger)

If it were a case of somebody harming someone I loved though, I'm not sure I could do it. The urge would be there. If someone killed a relative of mine or brutally raped or assaulted someone I cared about, I would absolutely have the urge and I might have to be restrained but I'm not sure I could actually do it.

I know I could never pull the switch on someone on death row. Well, maybe on Osama bin Laden but not many others!

[CatNamedRudy]

Has anyone seen the film 'A Time To Kill'?

Never actually watched it. One of the pile i keep meaning to get around to.

The premise is (sorry if you know this already) that two white men rape and almost murder a little black girl, doing her permanent damage, and her father kills the men. The outcome's quite predictable, but it's a good film I think. Not sure if it's based on a true story.

It's not based on a true story. It is however, the first novel John Grisham wrote and for me, who's read everything he's ever written, I would say it's probably the best thing he's written. And it's also one of the few Grisham novels that was adapted quite well to film.

[Dorset Girl]

It's not based on a true story. It is however, the first novel John Grisham wrote and for me, who's read everything he's ever written, I would say it's probably the best thing he's written. And it's also one of the few Grisham novels that was adapted quite well to film.

Really, was it John Grisham? I didn't realise that, I've never read any of his books, but I might do if that's the kind of thing he writes, it's an excellent film.

I remember in 'Third Rock' when they were all trying to be 'average Americans', they each had a Grisham novel to read.

[Moon-Crane]

Without having read anyone elses responses, I voted yes.

If it came down to it, I'm not sure I could ever actually do it but there are times when I think I could. Certainly, if it was kill or be killed. And if it was in defense of someone I loved. (as in their life was in immediate danger)

If it were a case of somebody harming someone I loved though, I'm not sure I could do it. The urge would be there. If someone killed a relative of mine or brutally raped or assaulted someone I cared about, I would absolutely have the urge and I might have to be restrained but I'm not sure I could actually do it.

I know I could never pull the switch on someone on death row. Well, maybe on Osama bin Laden but not many others!

I guess that sums up how i feel. i wouldn't even want to be the one to pull the switch on OBL, really. Once it becomes completely pre-meditated i couldn't personally imagine ever doing it. I do however sympathise with the plight people get into - such as the case with that film plot.

[welshben23]

Has anyone seen the film 'A Time To Kill'?

Never actually watched it. One of the pile i keep meaning to get around to.

The premise is (sorry if you know this already) that two white men rape and almost murder a little black girl, doing her permanent damage, and her father kills the men. The outcome's quite predictable, but it's a good film I think. Not sure if it's based on a true story.

It's not based on a true story. It is however, the first novel John Grisham wrote and for me, who's read everything he's ever written, I would say it's probably the best thing he's written. And it's also one of the few Grisham novels that was adapted quite well to film.

The only one I have on dvd is The Rainmaker.

[CatNamedRudy]

It's not based on a true story. It is however, the first novel John Grisham wrote and for me, who's read everything he's ever written, I would say it's probably the best thing he's written. And it's also one of the few Grisham novels that was adapted quite well to film.

Really, was it John Grisham? I didn't realise that, I've never read any of his books, but I might do if that's the kind of thing he writes, it's an excellent film.

I remember in 'Third Rock' when they were all trying to be 'average Americans', they each had a Grisham novel to read.

He writes mostly legal/court room stuff. There is the occasion that he writes something completely different as in the case of A Painted House, Bleachers and Skipping Christmas but for the most part, it's the legal world.

A Time to Kill is my favorite as I've said but I've enjoyed almost everything of his that I've read. The Chamber is also excellent. If you want to read something of his, I'd start with either A Time to Kill or The Chamber. They are his best works IMHO. Although The Firm ranks right up there. (much better than the movie and I liked the movie)

[Mayday Malone]

In a Jack Ryan in 'Patriot Games' situation, I once thought if something like that happened I might...seriously. Though a friend of mine sees me going loopy in ten years time and going on a spree. Idiot.

[welshben23]

In a Jack Ryan in 'Patriot Games' situation, I once thought if something like that happened I might...seriously. Though a friend of mine sees me going loopy in ten years time and going on a spree. Idiot.

Your friend or you? (sorry that was bad even for me)

[ouroboros]

Happy holidays

ROTFL!

Aye I voted yes. In my calm state as I am now I can say I would kill if it was 'kill or be killed' as in self defence. Absolutely no question. And also yes to end the life of a loved one who was suffering unbearably - I don't know if I personally would class that as 'killing' though. I think there should be a new word for it.

As to the 'rage' question if someone I loved was brutally raped/murdered etc - no. But I say this now in my 'calm state' without having ever fortunately had to go through that. Who knows if in the moment, clouded by fury I could. But then I'd be of the mind of injure them horribly and/or keep them alive to see their punishment through. No easy way out for them thank you very much! I think if someone muders/commits a violent act then having them see out their sentence or whatever and truly feeling remorse (if it truly comes) - well that guilt would be enough torture to pay for it I reckon. More so than death. That sounds vindictive and I don't mean it to be (in the general sense here, not if it was my loved one they killed) I honestly can think of no worse torture for the soul to have truly repented and have to live with what you have done. Oof.

I love the movie 'A time to kill' and [spoiler]was happy with the way it ended for movie purposes. But in reality I actually think Samuel L Jackson's character was completely in the wrong. Cos he admitted that he hadn't gone temporarily insane but knew exactly what he was doing[/spoiler]. Great movie though. One of the few instances where the movie is better than the book!

[CatNamedRudy]

Happy holidays

ROTFL!

Aye I voted yes. In my calm state as I am now I can say I would kill if it was 'kill or be killed' as in self defence. Absolutely no question. And also yes to end the life of a loved one who was suffering unbearably - I don't know if I personally would class that as 'killing' though. I think there should be a new word for it.

As to the 'rage' question if someone I loved was brutally raped/murdered etc - no. But I say this now in my 'calm state' without having ever fortunately had to go through that. Who knows if in the moment, clouded by fury I could. But then I'd be of the mind of injure them horribly and/or keep them alive to see their punishment through. No easy way out for them thank you very much! I think if someone muders/commits a violent act then having them see out their sentence or whatever and truly feeling remorse (if it truly comes) - well that guilt would be enough torture to pay for it I reckon. More so than death. That sounds vindictive and I don't mean it to be (in the general sense here, not if it was my loved one they killed) I honestly can think of no worse torture for the soul to have truly repented and have to live with what you have done. Oof.

I love the movie 'A time to kill' and [spoiler]was happy with the way it ended for movie purposes. But in reality I actually think Samuel L Jackson's character was completely in the wrong. Cos he admitted that he hadn't gone temporarily insane but knew exactly what he was doing[/spoiler]. Great movie though. One of the few instances where the movie is better than the book!

I didn't think the movie was better than the book but it is a great movie.

[ouroboros]

I didn't think the movie was better than the book but it is a great movie.

I think maybe cos I saw the movie first then read the book. Mind you having said that I saw Silence of the Lambs before I read the book and think the book is better. Still awesome movie though.

It was the [spoiler]'now imagine she's white' [/spoiler]bit. Which was just movie making magic at it's best imho. The dramatic impact didn't come across for me in the book and also was done completely differently. I can'remember what else as it was so long ago now. I don't think I liked Rohawk as much either. But hey what can I say I'm a Sandra Bullock fan!

[Moon-Crane]

I didn't think the movie was better than the book but it is a great movie.

I think maybe cos I saw the movie first then read the book. Mind you having said that I saw Silence of the Lambs before I read the book and think the book is better. Still awesome movie though.

It was the [spoiler]'now imagine she's white' [/spoiler]bit. Which was just movie making magic at it's best imho. The dramatic impact didn't come across for me in the book and also was done completely differently. I can'remember what else as it was so long ago now. I don't think I liked Rohawk as much either. But hey what can I say I'm a Sandra Bullock fan!

Good choice!

[ouroboros]

Good choice!

She's absolutely fantastic in 28 days. The movie itself has some great moments but overall is just a 'good' not awesome movie. She makes it though!

[Moon-Crane]

Good choice!

She's absolutely fantastic in 28 days. The movie itself has some great moments but overall is just a 'good' not awesome movie. She makes it though!

She improved a few films that would have been otherwise ropey at best

[CatNamedRudy]

I didn't think the movie was better than the book but it is a great movie.

I think maybe cos I saw the movie first then read the book. Mind you having said that I saw Silence of the Lambs before I read the book and think the book is better. Still awesome movie though.

It was the [spoiler]'now imagine she's white' [/spoiler]bit. Which was just movie making magic at it's best imho. The dramatic impact didn't come across for me in the book and also was done completely differently. I can'remember what else as it was so long ago now. I don't think I liked Rohawk as much either. But hey what can I say I'm a Sandra Bullock fan!

I don't even remember what was different in the movie. I read the book first (in fact it was the first Grisham book I ever read) and they made the movie several years later. It wasn't even the first Grisham book adapted for film. (The Firm was). I know there were things that were different though. I just preferred the book.

I like Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock and I thought they were both really good in the movie.

[ouroboros]

I don't even remember what was different in the movie. I read the book first (in fact it was the first Grisham book I ever read) and they made the movie several years later. It wasn't even the first Grisham book adapted for film. (The Firm was). I know there were things that were different though. I just preferred the book.

Fair enough, I can't remember now either aside from my above example. I still did think it was a great book though.

I like Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock and I thought they were both really good in the movie.

Yes they were awesome.

[Dorset Girl]

And also yes to end the life of a loved one who was suffering unbearably - I don't know if I personally would class that as 'killing' though. I think there should be a new word for it.

'Euthanasia' is what it's called, isn't it? Or is that something completely different?