Concept in Definition ABC

If a person has cruel or violent behaviors, does not respect others and his behavior is against the moral rules of the majority, he is said to be depraved.

In Spanish we use some synonyms, such as pervert, degenerate or satyr. The noun corresponding to depraved is logically depravity.

Sexual depravity in history

Certain sexual practices can be considered illegal and immoral and, consequently, unacceptable. From an anthropological point of view, most civilizations have considered the incest like a conduct sexual depraved. In fact, the prohibition of incest is a rule widespread throughout the humanity.

The concept of sexual depravity has been changing throughout history. Among the ancient Greeks it was common to homosexuality, but in the Middle Ages Christianity had already spread throughout much of the world and homosexuality was understood as a synonym for aberration and sin.

The Roman bacchanalia were destined for the god Bacchus who in turn was inspired by the god Dionysus of the Greeks. At these festivals the men of the upper classes met to satisfy their sexual urges with prostitutes and, on the other hand, they drank and ate.

In the Middle Ages, witches were persecuted for leading a lustful and depraved life

In the covens, not only were the devil invoked, but the witches performed spells to obtain sexual favors.

Pornography, sadomasochistic practices and some paraphilias have a relationship with the label of depravity.

Characters such as the Marquis de Sade or Giacomo Casanova are paradigmatic examples of individuals who were classified as depraved.

Crimes and genocides

Certain crimes are especially disgusting because they are carried out in a brutal and ruthless manner. Among them we can highlight the crimes committed by Jack the Ripper. Although it was never known who this individual really was, the bloody and brutal modus operandi of him is known (he mutilated his victims, removed their organs and disfigured their faces).

A genocide takes place when a group of people is murdered in a violent way. In the 20th century, these types of crimes have occurred in Rwanda, Guatemala, the former Yugoslavia or Armenia. In all of them there are elements in common: violence, brutality and contempt for human beings. In a word, depravity.

Photos: Fotolia - rodjulian / poosan