Kashmir is known for its rich culture, bewitching natural beauty and the probity of its inhabitants. The soil of Kashmir has seen celebrated geniuses. The people of Kashmir are known for their kindness, empathy and lovable nature. Having said that, the cultural intrusions have polluted the rich Kashmiri culture, and brought a negative change in our society. One such thing that is now found in our midst is bullying. It is an abnormal behaviour that ruins many lives.
Bullying is the use of force, coercion, or threat, abuse, aggressively dominate or intimidate. In the modern tech-savvy world cyber bullying has become common and more disastrous. People are being mocked on social networks. Be it politicians, DDC candidates or laymen, no one is being spared by so called eggheads of our society. Mocking a human being is a big shame in itself and yields nothing except bitterness, hatred and social disharmony. I don’t want to mention those who on daily basis make fun of people on social networks for petty likes, and comments. There are people who earn by bullying others and taint their own souls as well. I call it a Faustian bargain for they trade their moral and ethical principles for petty material gains. No matter how ‘disgusting’ a person may be, we have no right to discourage him. We have no right to mock people and make fun of their actions. We can’t make a person mend his ways by mocking him nor by rebuking him in public. That is absolutely unjust. We can only motivate people with our meekness, love, consideration, care and kindness. Every creation understands the language of love and repels the harsh words and hatred. We need to learn the art of communication and appreciate the good in people. The greatest miracles of this world have occurred in the light of love, generosity, kindness and compassion. People have been motivated to Introspect themselves and oust their bitter traits. Many criminals have been motivated to become considerate human beings. How did such miracles happen? Obviously, with a loving and not with a judgmental attitude.
Cyber bullying is a moral turpitude: Bullying is undoubtedly a kind of moral turpitude because the bully violates the standards of a civilized society. Bully no doubt is a grave threat to the peace of a society. Cyber bullying can trigger divide people and disintegrate society. Bullying is a threat to peace, moral and ethical development of a society. Cyber bullying, the latest form of bullying in Kashmir can disrupt the already agitated and hapless society of Kashmir. As the denizens of Kashmir, we need to condemn such immoral acts to save our society.
Cyber bullying is infectious: The social networks keep us up to date and allow us offer our views and opinions about different burning questions. Social networks have significantly improved mutual learning and interest. Having said that, there are many disgusting things that we get exposed to on such platforms. Bullying is one among the numerous ugly things that we encounter on such platforms. He who mocks others or posts mems on social platforms gets immense social appreciation that negatively motivates our juveniles and they start replicating the same absurd things.
No moral code can allow such things: No religion allows its followers to ridicule or mock others. Islam means peace and hence abhors all forces that may pose threat to the harmony, cooperation, love and unity among its followers. Islam gives a clear message to the bullies and warns them of the severe punishment for their evil actions. Quran says, “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.” [49:11]. So it is evident from this verse of holy Quran that Muslims shouldn’t harbor such disastrous traits. Almighty wants his creations to be meek, gentle, peace preaching, genial, considerate and compassionate.
Bullying triggers inferiority complex in the recipient: The victims of bullying fail to appreciate the good in their character and personality. They lose interest in life and become more susceptible to different mental ailments. Their self-concept turns negative and their gratitude evaporates from their hearts. They start complaining about everything and hence become chronic complainers with such destructive attitudes that they end the chances of their triumph. Who other than the bully should be held responsible for their failure?