Abstract
This paper researches the culture-bound syndrome called running amok. First, the paper seeks to break down the definition of running amok, the cause, and the areas affected. The above is done by using published articles and textbooks to research the culture-bound syndrome. Running amok goes by a few different names but is ultimately referenced back to the term used in this paper, and is described as, “a disorder found in Malaysia, the Philippines, Java, and some parts of Africa, jump around violently, yell loudly, grab knives or other weapons, and attack any people and objects they encounter” (Comer, 2010). The quote above shows a brief description of this disorder, which can show the danger it presents, and the need to find effectively identify it. To sum up the above, this paper’s intent is to delve into research over this disorder in order to properly identify key symptoms of amok, and to use amok to support either a cultural relativist view, or a Universalist view.
Running Amok
A Culture Bound Syndrome Throughout history, there have been cases of individuals acting out in seemingly random outbreak in extremely violent behaviors, or mass killings. The below seeks …show more content…
To start, Amok is described as a disorder found in Malaysia, the Philippines, Java, and some parts of Africa (Comer, 2010). To elaborate on the above, it arises in many areas, however its name is derived from the Malaysian language, showing its origin as Malaysia. As cited in Flaskerud (2012), Captain James Cook first observed Amok in Malayan men in 1770. He described individuals behaving in a reckless, violent manner, without cause and indiscriminately killing and maiming villagers and animals in a frenzied attack (Jackson, 2006). The statement above shows the early roots of the disorder in Malaysia, further showing it to be the primary area affected. Overall, Amok can be traced to Malaysia as the culture it is primarily seen
This paper researches the culture-bound syndrome called running amok. First, the paper seeks to break down the definition of running amok, the cause, and the areas affected. The above is done by using published articles and textbooks to research the culture-bound syndrome. Running amok goes by a few different names but is ultimately referenced back to the term used in this paper, and is described as, “a disorder found in Malaysia, the Philippines, Java, and some parts of Africa, jump around violently, yell loudly, grab knives or other weapons, and attack any people and objects they encounter” (Comer, 2010). The quote above shows a brief description of this disorder, which can show the danger it presents, and the need to find effectively identify it. To sum up the above, this paper’s intent is to delve into research over this disorder in order to properly identify key symptoms of amok, and to use amok to support either a cultural relativist view, or a Universalist view.
Running Amok
A Culture Bound Syndrome Throughout history, there have been cases of individuals acting out in seemingly random outbreak in extremely violent behaviors, or mass killings. The below seeks …show more content…
To start, Amok is described as a disorder found in Malaysia, the Philippines, Java, and some parts of Africa (Comer, 2010). To elaborate on the above, it arises in many areas, however its name is derived from the Malaysian language, showing its origin as Malaysia. As cited in Flaskerud (2012), Captain James Cook first observed Amok in Malayan men in 1770. He described individuals behaving in a reckless, violent manner, without cause and indiscriminately killing and maiming villagers and animals in a frenzied attack (Jackson, 2006). The statement above shows the early roots of the disorder in Malaysia, further showing it to be the primary area affected. Overall, Amok can be traced to Malaysia as the culture it is primarily seen