HAIL THE VIGILANTE!

In my last column I wrote about changing the world the Superman way, i.e. the way of compassion, truth and courage. But, now I realize that in my almost blind faith in Superman I probably missed something. I missed out what some would call the Anti-Superman way. I missed a critical question- Is the way of Superman, the only possible way of changing the world or is there an alternative that contrasting as it may be is certainly an option? Yes, there is. I may hate to admit it, even less approve of it, but, I simply cannot deny it.

This alternate, contrasting and contradicting approach towards 'Changing the world' is what I would have until recently called- The Way of the Dark Knight- BATMAN, however in this post 1/20 era, I may as well call it the RDB way or the Rang De Basanti way.

You can take your pick on what you wish to call it, but that isn't the issue here, the issue here is to try and understand the circumstance that give birth to this Dark Knight/RDB way and drive people on this forbidden path of self destruction. So, let's get going, enlightenment awaits.

There are moments in our lives when we feel frustrated, disappointed and perhaps worst of all, helpless, against the system. It could be over something as trivial as shelling a few rupees extra to the Auto wallah or something as grievous as a politician compromising the nation's security to fill his own coffers ( ala RDB) . During these moments of despair and anguish, in some hidden corner of our hearts, ensues the uncontrollable urge to take the law in our hands. An urge to break the bounds of civility and bring the perpetarators to justice. Some of us supress this urge while others become VIGILANTES and it is among these men and women that the RDB way finds its origin.

VIGILANTE, for those unfamiliar with the word, is described by the Oxford English Dictionary as a person who undertakes law enforcement in his community without legal authority, typically because the legal agencies are thought to be inadequate. This description fits those delusioned young men from RDB to the proverbial T as well as the dark knight to his masked justice.

But, how enduring is this method? How effective? Is it really a pragmatic solution to our problems as these fictional characters would make us believe? Honestly, I wish I knew the answers but alas, I do not . However, the following lines may help in throwing some more light on the viability of this fashionable yet dangerous indulgance.

Vigilantes are special, they are judge, jury and executioner, all in one and on the outset there's certainly a great deal going for them. The vigilante upholds order by instilling the fear of god in his enemies and the means are usually forceful . Whether, it is the Batman using his persona to intimidate criminals or the Kamikaze youth of RDB using firepower to change the system, the objective is common- to create fear among the enemies, and the instrument is force. There's nothing wrong with that, afterall, fear and force do make a mighty combination. Together they virtually lay the foundation of civilization, the police, the armed forces are nothing but symbols of these powerful elements. In their absence anarchy rules and lawlessness thrives The following quote by Muir echoes these sentiments-

And without fear the lawless roads / Ran wrong through all the land.

But, does that mean Vigilantes are here to stay? Shall we then celebrate this phenomenon of justice through force and fear?

Maybe not so fast. Because, what is arguably the vigilante's most potent weapon, unfortunately, is also his worst nemesis- Fear. Fear can be a strong motivator but it can also drive people to the edge. It can over time turn the oppressed into opressors, the preys to predators. Like a painkiller, which stems the pain but does not cure the wound, fear deters the crime but does not vanquish the criminal. Evil would strike back the moment the grip of fear loosens and it is indeed ironical that fear itself thus becomes the harbinger of evil.

As Shakespeare puts it-

In time we hate that which we often fear

So, what is the answer then? Which is the right way? Do you have the answer or are you still looking for it?

Well, look no more, the answer is right there, within you and it isn't about right or wrong but simply about belief. The belief that good will survive in this world, that peace would reign, only the methods would differ. There will be some who will embrace evil to destroy it and there will be others who would spread the message of faith, love and compassion in pursuit of the same. Both may succeed but before you make your mind, remember the following lines-

For hate is not conquered by hate: hate is conquered by love.
This is a law eternal.