Primitive streak

It has been reported lately that Pope Benedict XVI has observed that "driving can bring out the primitive side of human nature".

On reading what appears to me a very true statement, the rowdy band marches on feast days, which, at times, have seemingly gone out of all bounds of decency, sprang to my mind. It is not easy for me or for my family to forget the unpleasant surprise of having been practically forced to witness unchecked insults, unscrupulous gestures, foul language and a barrage of toilet paper rolls thrown in the direction of St George's basilica in Victoria on August 15.

I had registered my family's utter and my disgust and dismay at this spectacle of "primitive behaviour" on one of Christianity's most sacred of days.

To confound matters, a papier machè semblance of a lion sporting a malicious grin, was hurriedly carried onto the square to the delight of the crowd. At this point the revelry had gone overboard.

I sincerely hope that Gozo's vigorous bishop, Mgr Mario Grech, in tandem with the Malta's curial tough stand in curbing abuses, would not brook such "primitive" behaviour any more. Good taste and good sense are hallmarks of civilisation, let alone Christianity.