MOST of us become tolerant about social change. Even illustrious
families have to admit gangsters, kidnappers, cattle rustlers, etc.,
among their forebears, and we rarely hold it against them. All that
really matters, said Thackeray, is getting away with it. There can be
few more ruthless schemers than his Becky Sharp. She took her degree in
reputation, he said, when she was presented to George IV -- the
''Premier Gentilhomme of Europe'' -- after which, he added
sarcastically, it would be flat disloyalty to doubt her virtue. Almost
all of us want this unprincipled little minx to succeed.
Unlike Becky, young ladies are no longer presented at court, and yet
around 150 of them still contrive to be called debutantes and to do the
''season''. There is said to be a whirlwind of summer balls and cocktail
parties ahead, the ultimate aim of which is to meet eligible bachelors.
The whole process has these days become somewhat lax. According to Peter
Townsend, social consultant of the Tatler, anyone can be a deb.
The latest example of social change comes from Japan, where gangsters
are changing profession overnight. New laws insist that gangs of more
than 1000 members must include only 42 convicted criminals, which has
placed severe strains on Japan's 89,000 mobsters and their 3300 clubs.
The more ingenious societies are changing their corporate identity. Some
have registered as garden design companies. Others have become
profit-making religions. The only way Tokyo matrons may gain an inkling
that seemingly eligible bachelors are criminals is that their little
fingers are missing -- a traditional punishment for minor offences, or a
sign of loyalty to the boss. Fortunately there is always some way to
allow new people into society. Japan's leading cosmetic surgeon, who
replaces little fingers with toes, is booked solid for the rest of the
year.
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