A Clockwork Orange

Torture, in its most simplistic sense, is the infliction of physical or psychological pain onto another person. The word has Latin origin, deriving from the word tortus meaning “to twist.” Throughout history, it has been used as an interrogation procedure; however in most other cases it simply is a means of causing extreme lasting pain towards an enemy. Although in recent years sanctions are being implemented in attempts to restrict use of torture by governments and private organizations, it still is prevalent in the world today.

There are three basic reasons for torture. The first reason is as punishment or for the personal pleasure of the torturer. This is implemented when the only intent of doing so will cause extreme pain, humiliation, and anguish to the captive. An example is shown in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal of 2004, where photos illustrate detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison being electrically shocked, attacked by dogs and guards, and forced to simulate sexual situations with each other while American troops wave and give “thumbs up” signs.

The second reason for torture is as an interrogation aide, to painfully extract information from an uncooperative suspect. This can be seen in a dramatized and often exaggerated form in the FOX television show “24,” where members of the “Counter Terrorist Unit” will often use various torture techniques on captives to hopefully attain information regarding national security.

The third reason for torture is for the betterment of the tortured. The most common usage of this is for pain to be inflicted on a person when he or she does or thinks about something considered undesirable. Anthony Burgess depicts this usage of torture in startling detail and description in his book A Clockwork Orange. In the story Alex, a juvenile delinquent, is forced by psychologists to watch videos of violent and perverted acts he would commonly engage himself in. However, a feeling of violent sickness is forced upon him as he watches the videos. Thus, he associates the acts depicted in the films with the feeling of sickness, and no longer wishes or is able to partake in said actions without beginning to feel sick himself.

In most cases, physical torture is used for all of the above-illustrated circumstances. Methods can include overexposure to extremes of heat and coldness, physical beatings, punctures, or contortions of the body, and electric shock. However, psychological torture can also be used in the form of sensory or interaction deprivation, violent threats, narcosis, forced sleep deprivation, and use of sexual degradation. Both are effective methods that can and have been implemented throughout history. However in recent years, working in accordance with the Geneva Convention, groups including the World Organisation Against Torture, Amnesty International, and the Association for the Prevention of Torture are working to eliminate the use of torture globally.

The Geneva Convention is the most recent document outlining the international