On the Rationality and Necessity of the Existence of Crime

In the Present Era: A Reflection on Unhappiness and Justice Through Crime

In today's world, many might realize that we are not truly happy. This unhappiness is, in fact, artificially created by forces behind all governments that design our society. From my perspective, violence and crime are not necessarily bad things. Often, justice for the underprivileged can only be sought through crime, as demonstrated by the following events.

The Zhang Koukou Incident

In the 1990s, Zhang Koukou’s mother was raped and murdered by a member of the Wang family during a neighborhood dispute. However, the perpetrator received only a relatively short prison sentence and was released soon after. The judicial system failed to deliver fair justice for Zhang's family. In 2018, Zhang decided to seek justice on his own terms by killing three members of the Wang family on the eve of the Lunar New Year. This act, although against modern laws, was his way of seeking justice for his mother.

This event sparked widespread social discussion after media reports. Most people with basic moral values saw Zhang's actions as an act of resistance against judicial injustice by the underprivileged, as he was seeking justice for his mother. On the other hand, a small group of conservatives believed that such criminal behavior must be punished by law, and violence should not be met with violence. Zhang was eventually arrested and swiftly sentenced to death. The court deemed his actions as premeditated revenge that posed a severe threat to social order and thus had to be punished accordingly.

From my perspective, this indicates that the legal system is not designed according to the most basic moral values of the people but instead serves the rule-makers who wish to maintain a stable social state while they themselves stand above the order. Therefore, the underprivileged have no place to appeal, and justice is hard to find, leaving crime as their only option.

WikiLeaks and Edward Snowden

WikiLeaks, a nonprofit organization founded by Julian Assange in 2006, primarily publishes classified documents and information from anonymous sources. The organization's goal is to expose government and corporate misconduct, advocating for freedom of information and transparency.

In 2010, WikiLeaks released a series of classified U.S. government documents, including:

The Afghan War Diary: A large number of secret military documents related to the Afghan War.
The Iraq War Logs: Exposing some misconduct of U.S. troops in the Iraq War.
Diplomatic Cables: Over 250,000 U.S. diplomatic cables revealing the delicate relationships between the U.S. and other countries. One of the sources of these documents was U.S. Army analyst Chelsea Manning (formerly Bradley Manning), who provided a large amount of classified information to WikiLeaks.
These leaks sparked major controversies. Supporters believed it promoted government transparency and accountability, while opponents argued it threatened national security and diplomatic relations. The U.S. government filed multiple charges against Assange and WikiLeaks, including espionage. Assange sought asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in the UK in 2012 to avoid extradition.

In 2019, Assange was arrested by British police and now faces the possibility of being extradited to the U.S., with related legal proceedings still ongoing. From my point of view, his actions were just, revealing the truth to the people, but the law deemed them criminal, further proving the opposing relationship between law and the people, and the necessity of crime.

I have listed two criminal events that sought justice, and these are just a drop in the ocean of conflicts between people's interests and the law.

Economic Crimes: Smuggling by Wenzhou Businessmen

Wenzhou businessmen are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. They quickly rose during the early years of China's reform and opening up, becoming an important part of China's economic miracle. However, beneath these achievements lies endless pain and difficulty. Wenzhou was not a city supported by the state; they lacked resources, and to survive and develop, they resorted to smuggling electronics, luxury goods, car parts, and more. This can be seen as survival against adversity. Faced with high tariffs, complex laws, and intense market competition, smuggling often alleviated the economic burden on the people.

These businessmen lived under constant psychological pressure, fearing being discovered or reported, and could not even be honest with family and friends. Once caught, they would face severe legal penalties. Their businesses would be closed, and their assets frozen or confiscated, turning their hard-earned wealth to nothing overnight. This not only harmed their economic foundation but could also lead to family breakdowns and life hardships.

According to relevant laws and regulations, once smuggling is confirmed, involved Wenzhou businessmen would face heavy fines and asset confiscation. For instance, from 1999 to 2004, Wenzhou's government imposed fines totaling over 1 billion RMB on smuggling cases, confiscating large amounts of smuggled goods and hard-earned money. The loss from being caught once often negated the profits of ten successful smuggling attempts.

Smuggling allows avoidance of high import tariffs and cumbersome import and export procedures, significantly reducing the cost of goods. This makes smuggled goods relatively cheaper, easing the economic burden on the general public.

Hong Kong Smuggling Situation

As a free port, Hong Kong has lower import and export taxes, making some goods significantly cheaper than in mainland China. To survive and thrive, some ordinary citizens choose to engage in smuggling activities, illegally transporting goods from Hong Kong to the mainland.

Some products that are scarce or expensive in the mainland can be more easily obtained through smuggling, meeting the needs of mainland consumers. For example, some high-quality medicines or imported foods are hard to buy legally in the mainland, but smuggling channels allow these goods to enter the mainland market more quickly.

Smuggling, to some extent, speeds up the flow of goods between Hong Kong and the mainland, filling in potential supply chain delays in legal channels. For consumers urgently needing certain goods, smuggled products provide a faster way to obtain them.

Drug Smuggling

In certain countries or regions, specific drugs might be unable to be legally imported or sold due to regulatory approvals, patent protections, or supply chain issues. Smuggling allows these drugs to enter the market, helping patients who cannot obtain medicines through formal channels.

Some drugs have significant price differences in international markets, especially between patented and generic drugs. Smuggling cheaper generic drugs can provide affordable treatment options for patients, especially those with low incomes, alleviating their economic burdens.

In responding to public health emergencies, such as a pandemic outbreak, certain critical medicines may face supply shortages due to surging demand. Drug smuggling in such cases may expedite drug distribution, helping to fill the market gaps that legal channels temporarily cannot meet.

In some countries, drug regulation is overly strict, even imposing excessive restrictions on drugs urgently needed by patients. Drug smuggling, to some extent, bypasses these restrictions, allowing patients to obtain drugs they deem beneficial to their health.

Through smuggling, consumers might gain access to more drug options, including those not approved or hard to purchase locally, providing more treatment plans and opportunities in certain situations.

Current State of Smuggling in North Korea

Economic Background: Due to international sanctions and economic difficulties, smuggling plays a vital role in North Korea's economy.
Major Items: Common smuggled goods include fuel, luxury items, electronics, medicines, food, and daily necessities.
Smuggling Routes: Mainly through the Chinese and South Korean borders and sea routes, with China and South Korea being the main sources of smuggled goods.
Participants: Involvement ranges from ordinary citizens to government officials, with organized smuggling groups also active.
Technological Use: Recently, the use of cryptocurrencies and the internet for transactions has increased.
Government Attitude: Officially, there is a crackdown on smuggling, but certain departments might tacitly allow or participate in it.
International Impact: Smuggling is seen as a means of evading sanctions, drawing international attention.
COVID-19 Impact: Strengthened border controls have suppressed some smuggling activities but also led to new smuggling methods.
North Korean people face unimaginably harsh conditions, with smuggling becoming their only way to survive. These brave souls risk their lives to bring a glimmer of hope and warmth to their families. Their intelligence and courage are admirable; even in such dire circumstances, they find innovative ways to obtain the necessities for survival.

These "smugglers" are modern-day Robin Hoods, challenging unfair sanctions and bringing urgently needed supplies to their compatriots. From food to medicine, every smuggled item can save lives and alleviate suffering. Their actions are not just for personal gain but also serve as a silent protest against injustice.

On this land full of hardship, smuggling networks have become a lifeline, sustaining the hopes of countless families. It shows the most beautiful aspects of humanity – even in the darkest times, people are still willing to help each other through difficulties.

This unconventional economic activity, to some extent, reflects the resilience and adaptability of the North Korean people. Under extremely difficult conditions, they have found ways to survive and thrive, a spirit worthy of deep admiration.

Rationality Behind Violence and Organized Crime

The oldest historical background of gang culture can be traced back to ancient times. Here's a brief overview:

Ancient Origins:

China: During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770–221 BC), a culture of wandering warriors known as "youxia" emerged.
Ancient Rome: Street gangs appeared at the end of the Roman Republic (1st century BC).
Medieval Europe (5th–15th century):

The rise of bandit gangs.
Guilds in cities evolved into criminal organizations in some areas.
17th–18th Century:

UK: In the 18th century, London had organized criminal groups.
19th Century:

China: The Taiping Rebellion period (1850–1864) saw numerous peasant uprisings and secret societies.
US: Immigrant gangs emerged in New York City, with groups like the Five Points Gang.
Early 20th Century:

US: During the Prohibition era (1920–1933), Italian-American mafia groups thrived in cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston.
Post-WWII:

Japan: The Yakuza evolved into modern organized crime groups, influencing Japanese society.
US: The influence of the Italian-American Mafia continued, with families like the Gambino family being prominent.
Late 20th Century:

Mexico: The rise of drug cartels, including the Guadalajara Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel.
Russia: Following the Soviet Union's collapse, Russian organized crime groups expanded.
21st Century:

Global organized crime expanded, with activities including human trafficking, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and arms dealing.
Present Day:

Italian Mafia: Including Cosa Nostra, 'Ndrangheta, and Camorra.
Japanese Yakuza: Traditional organized crime with specific rituals and structures.
Mexican Drug Cartels: Like Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation.
Russian Organized Crime: Operating worldwide in various criminal activities.
Chinese Triads: Operating in both China and globally, involved in drug trafficking, extortion, etc.
American Street Gangs: Including Crips, Bloods, MS-13, etc.
Global Cybercriminal Groups: Involved in cyberattacks, ransomware, etc.
Despite organized crime's association with illegal activities, they often address social problems the authorities cannot solve. From early criminal groups to modern gangs, they have provided for those society has neglected. For example, during the Prohibition era, many American gangs supplied people with desired liquor, meeting the needs of those who saw the law as unreasonable.

Organized crime can also maintain some social order. In areas where formal law enforcement is weak, criminal organizations might serve as informal justice providers, protecting community members from external threats or internal disputes.

In some cultures or communities, organized crime may also serve as a defense against external oppression or exploitation, representing the only way for marginalized people to resist.

However, while organized crime can address specific problems, it often brings its negative consequences, including violence, corruption, and exploitation. Therefore, recognizing the complex role of organized crime in society is necessary.

Conclusion: The Necessity of Crime

All in all, crime exists not merely as a challenge to laws and moral standards but as a profound response to the inherent unfairness and contradictions of our social systems. From cases like Zhang Koukou seeking justice for his mother to WikiLeaks revealing the hidden truths of governments, from smugglers navigating the dire economic conditions of their countries to organized crime stepping in where official justice systems fall short, every act of crime underscores a critical message: when the existing system fails to meet the needs of the people, crime becomes an inevitable, albeit desperate, means of correction.

Thus, the essence of crime lies not in its defiance of laws but in its role as a counterbalance in the endless tug-of-war between the powerful and the powerless, the privileged and the marginalized. Until society addresses these root causes, crime will continue to be not just a possibility but a necessity for those with no other recourse.

The Nature of Law and Its Relationship with Crime

To better understand why crime can sometimes be a necessary response to societal conditions, it's important to examine the nature of law and its relationship with human behavior. Law is fundamentally a set of rules established by those in power to maintain order and protect their interests. However, these rules do not always align with the moral or practical needs of all individuals within a society.

Law as a Tool of Control: Laws are created to control behavior, but they often reflect the values and priorities of the ruling class rather than universal moral principles. This can lead to laws that are unjust, discriminatory, or ineffective in addressing the needs of the broader population. For example, laws that criminalize poverty-related activities, such as loitering or vagrancy, do not address the underlying social issues but rather penalize those who are already marginalized.

Law vs. Morality: Not all laws are inherently moral, and not all moral actions are legal. For instance, during historical periods like apartheid in South Africa or the Jim Crow era in the United States, laws enforced racial segregation and inequality, which were fundamentally immoral. In such contexts, breaking the law—such as participating in civil disobedience—was a moral imperative for many who sought justice and equality.

Law and Social Change: Often, legal systems are slow to adapt to changing societal values and needs. This lag can create a disconnect between what is legal and what is considered just by the public. Movements for social change, such as the civil rights movement, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental activism, have frequently involved acts of civil disobedience, highlighting the necessity of breaking existing laws to push for new, fairer laws that reflect the evolving moral compass of society.

Economic Inequality and Crime: Economic disparities often drive individuals toward crime as a means of survival. When the legal avenues for economic advancement are blocked by systemic barriers—such as discrimination, lack of access to education, or unfair labor practices—crime can become an alternative path. This dynamic is evident in marginalized communities worldwide, where the lack of economic opportunities correlates strongly with higher rates of criminal behavior.

The Role of Organized Crime in Social Services: In many regions, organized crime groups provide services that the state fails to offer, such as security, employment, and even basic needs like food and shelter. For instance, in areas with weak or corrupt governance, criminal organizations can establish a form of order, albeit through extralegal means. This parallels the historical role of the Mafia in parts of Italy, where the state was absent or ineffective, and the Mafia filled the void by offering protection and resolving disputes.

Reevaluating the Criminal Justice System

Given the complex relationship between crime, law, and justice, there is a growing movement to reevaluate and reform the criminal justice system. This involves not only addressing the root causes of crime—such as poverty, lack of education, and systemic injustice—but also redefining what actions should be considered crimes in the first place.

Restorative Justice: This approach emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation with victims and community service rather than punitive measures. Restorative justice aims to address the needs of all parties involved, offering a more holistic and humane response to crime.

Decriminalization of Minor Offenses: Some legal reforms advocate for the decriminalization of certain non-violent offenses, such as drug possession or petty theft, especially when driven by economic necessity. Instead of imprisonment, these reforms suggest providing social support and rehabilitation to address the underlying causes of such behavior.

Community-Based Policing: Shifting from a punitive approach to one that involves the community in maintaining safety and order can reduce crime rates. Community policing strategies involve building relationships between law enforcement and community members, focusing on prevention and early intervention rather than strict enforcement.

Economic and Social Reforms: Addressing systemic issues such as income inequality, lack of affordable housing, and limited access to healthcare and education can significantly reduce the need for crime as a means of survival. By providing better social safety nets, societies can prevent many crimes from occurring in the first place.

Ultimately, crime should be seen as a symptom of deeper societal issues rather than merely an act of individual wrongdoing. To address crime effectively, society must look beyond punitive measures and work towards creating a more just and equitable world. This involves critically examining the laws that govern us, addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, and redefining justice in a way that aligns with the true needs and values of the people.

As long as there are gaps between the law and the lived realities of individuals, crime will persist as a necessary response to injustice. By understanding the multifaceted nature of crime and its role in society, we can move towards a system that not only punishes but also heals, restores, and transforms.