The growing prevalence of bully culture is a concerning trend that is no longer confined to schools and colleges. It has seeped into the very fabric of our society with politicians, government officials, police and judiciary, exhibiting bullying behaviour and often with impunity. On the other side we have bullies operating outside the law like local goons and mafias. But what's alarming is the rise of bullying behaviour among ordinary citizens, often masquerading as vigilantism. Groups like Bajrang Dal and Gau Rakshaks, and even individuals displaying aggressive behaviour over petty issues like parking, queues, road etiquette, religion, region and language are all symptoms of a deeper malaise. Is this a manifestation of VIP culture? "The notion that some individuals are above the law and can flout rules with no consequences". Bullying, in any form, is a crime that often stems from a disregard for the system and social norms. So how do we tackle this? Educational institutions have taken steps like setting up vigilance committees and leveraging the law, but the bigger question is - is the law being enforced effectively in our country?
