Unexpected life lessons near the Tibet border

What I saw passing through a military guarded area, will stay with me to the end.

The incident

A short middle-aged man, wearing muddy, torn clothes was throwing stones at the army officers. His facial features indicated down's syndrome. Clearly, he had the intelligence of a child.

His flings were weak. Most stones missed and a few landed near their boots. A young officer furious, held his neck tight and slapped him with a heavy hand. "Never do it again!" he screamed pointing a finger at him. The teary-eyed man ran away while hurling more pebbles.

Contemplating the aftermath

The man likely didn't connect the dots that his behavior led to punishment. His beliefs about these hostile beings with a dress code were reinforced. His resentment and hatred have been aggravated. He will continue the behavior while trying harder to not get caught.

The army officer, from his place of power thought he was teaching a lesson. He was completely oblivious to the man's intellect and the consequences. Unwittingly, he caused more suffering by ensuring that the man will be beaten up again - the exact opposite of what he intended.

It's so common in India to beat a child to "discipline" them. The parents may even recite with pride, misinformed quotes like:

"Spare the rod, spoil the child."

Well congratulations. You made a conforming child but it is dead inside. It will grow up to be a dysfunctional adult suffering from great torment, mental disorders. Many will abuse drugs and indulge in crimes.

Spread kindness and happiness instead

Aghast by this incident, I asked myself "What would I have done?". Then, it came to me.

I would have treated the man a meal with my buddies. After establishing safety and a connection, and satisfying his hunger, I would gently explain that throwing rocks is bad. From then on, each time I see him on good behavior, I would reinforce it.

This goes in the face of our cultural conditioning. But, it is the only idea with a chance of actually working.