"Hello Kitty" punishment for police officers illustrates a truth more deeply woven into the fabric of creation.
Are the differences between man and woman merely a social construct or are they something more deeply woven into the fabric of creation? Does each gender possess certain attributes, skills, proclivities and tastes that are intrinsically tied to gender? Law enforcement in one major city, in practice at least, demonstrates the truth of the God-ordained differences between men and women.
Policemen in Bangkok are now subject to a disciplinary measure requiring them to wear a pink Hello Kitty armband for various misdemeanor infractions.
“Simple warnings no longer work,” said Pongpat Chayaphan, acting chief of the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok, who instituted the new humiliation this week.
“This new twist is expected to make them feel guilt and shame and prevent them from repeating the offense, no matter how minor,” he said. “Kitty is a cute icon for young girls. It’s not something macho police officers want covering their biceps.”
Gender distinctions are part of the created order, and as such have been imprinted on the hearts of men and women. These distinctions involve certain responsibilities and roles, which in turn help to define masculinity and femininity. The fall has introduced distortions and confusion in this area, but there is still a God-given inclination for men (in this case) to resist being categorized as effeminate even if they are not necessarily doing so on any biblical grounds.
Photo of a police officer in Bangkok showing a pink Hello Kitty armband from Yasushi Ukigaya/Kyodo News, via Associated Press
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