Recently in a horrific incident that went viral, a young woman was brutally attacked and killed in broad daylight on a busy street in Mumbai. The assailant, wielding a sharp weapon, showed no mercy as he struck her down. What is even more shocking than the crime itself is the reaction of the bystanders. People walked past, some even capturing the horror on their smartphones. But no one—no one—intervened! This incident is not isolated; it is a downright display of an alarming trend called ‘public apathy and dehumanization’ of society.
This grisly incident echoes several others that have shocked humanity in the recent past. In 2012, the atrocious assault and subsequent death of Nirbhaya in Delhi triggered extensive protests. Still, the initial response from eyewitnesses was indifference. In 2017, a mentally challenged man in Rajasthan was lynched by a mob and its video was shared widely on social media. Again, the onlookers were mere spectators to the murder.
All major religions uphold the sanctity of human life, emphasizing compassion and empathy. Despite profound teachings, society seems to be regressing. At the core of this regression is the erosion of empathy and a growing detachment from the suffering of others. Animals, driven by instinct, often act in self-preservation or survival. Yet, even in the animal kingdom, there are numerous examples of care and common support. Elephants, for instance, mourn their dead, and dolphins are known for helping injured companions. Even crows create a noisy ruckus when any of them gets hurt or dies. When humans, who possess higher cognitive abilities and moral reasoning, fail to exhibit these traits, it signals a troubling decay.
The phrase “worse than animals” aptly describes a state where humans, endowed with the ability to discern, consciously choose cruelty and callousness. This regression is blatantly evident in the increasing number of violent crimes caught on camera, where onlookers do nothing to deter the ruthlessness. The impassivity of bystanders (Bystanders Effect) reflects a societal malaise where desensitization towards violence is becoming the new normal. Social media, which otherwise can be a powerful tool for awareness, aggravates this desensitization. The viral dissemination of violent content numbs viewers, reducing their capacity for compassion over time.
The perpetrators of such heinous and barbaric acts often demonstrate a complete disregard for human life. Their actions are driven by an abnormal psyche of anger, hatred, or a suppressed yearning for power and control. In the Mumbai incident, the killer’s brutality was met with passive observation, rather than active intervention. This lack of immediate response is gradually emboldening criminal minded people (psychopaths), creating an environment where such acts are turning more frequent and more severe.
In other words, the bystanders in these situations are not mere witnesses; their inaction augments the perpetuation of violence. Their failure to act can stem from fear, confusion or a sort of sense of helplessness. However, it also reflects a deeper issue: the erosion of the shared link of humanity and the desertion of collective responsibility. When individuals prioritize their personal safety or social media engagement over the life of another, they brazenly contribute to the dehumanization of society. Safety takes over Sensitivity. Reels take over Reality.
To combat this decay, there must be a concerted effort to Rehumanize society. This begins with teaching sensitivity, kindliness, civility and the importance of community from a young age to build a more humane and responsive society. These teachings need to be reinforced, amplifying the value of human life and the commitment to protect and lend a hand to those in need.
Needless to say, strong legal frameworks such as Good Samaritan laws are critical to promoting a culture wherein individuals are encouraged and protected when they intervene in humanitarian emergencies. These rules shield rescuers from legal ramifications, decreasing public apathy and promoting civic responsibility. This includes legal reform, public education and compatible infrastructure.
Beyond legal measures, cultivating a culture of thoughtfulness and responsibility through educational curricula, community engagement and positive media representation is crucial. Rare acts of compassion need to be popularized. The idea of Kindliness needs glorification, not scary admonition. Jointly, these efforts can reverse the trend of dehumanization, ensuring that acts of violence and meanness are met with mutual concern and action.
The incident in Mumbai and other similar tragedies highlight a critical moral failing in contemporary society. Humans, capable of enormous kindness and empathy, are increasingly exhibiting behaviors that are worse than those of animals. This decadence—dehumanization— is a deplorable debacle. It is high time that society collectively strives to reclaim its humanity, raising a culture where concern and compassion prevail over insensitivity and cruelty. Only then can we hope to halt this disturbing degeneracy and re-establish the sanctity and significance of human life.