Oslo,
Jan 4, 2010 -- A Very Important Person, or VIP (is a
translation of a Russian abbreviation (translated as "vesima
imenitaya persona"), is a person who is accorded special
privileges due to his or her status or importance.
Historical
movies, fictions, novels and all pieces of literature
derived from ancient history tell about single man
stronghold attitude. Right from the Stone Age, power stays
with physically strong man in the group. This strong man was
the commander, leader and dictator of that section of the
society or for a piece of land. He was privileged, respected
and feared. He had the right of any luxury available. Any
inhabitant, who might had temptation for extended
privileges, must had to confront with the leader, the
dictator. The challenge often leads to physical encounter
and bloodshed. If the challenger would pin down the
dictator, all the privileges and luxuries was his. One of
the competitors had to die any way. The scene always left a
terrorised and frightened atmosphere. The next dictator had
the opportunity to rule until he is challenged by some one
else.
Evolution of
human history passed on from very primitive stronghold
approaches to more collective and sophisticated techniques.
Communication technology helped towards big mass groups,
countries and continents. The shape of stronghold, power and
exploitation showed itself in the form of colonialism. The
historical phenomenon of colonisation is one that stretches
around the globe and across time, including such disparate
people as the Hittites, and British. European colonialism or
Imperialism began in the fifteenth century with the "Age of
Discovery", led by Spanish and Portuguese explorations in
Africa, the Middle East, India, and East Asia. During the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, England, France and
Holland established their own overseas empires.
The
seventeenth century saw the creation of the British Empire,
the French colonial empire and the Dutch Empire. It also saw
the establishment of some Swedish overseas colonies and a
Danish colonial empire.
Let’s take
the example of British colonialism in Indian subcontinent.
Britain ruled their colonies with the help of local chiefs,
whom they granted special privileges and titles, like
‘Numberdar’ ‘Zaildar’ etc.
These local
heads served their colonial masters against the will of
local public. Their loyalty was their prime quality which
made them popular and closer to colonial masters.
When External
colonial masters had to leave their colonies, they left some
assets which they could not take with; like real estate
properties. These abandoned assets gone to those who were
really loyal and close to colonial masters in administering
the colonies.
The reign of
rule was handed over to second in commands, the Landlords,
and ‘Numberdars’ and the continent was divided in what we
call the free countries. These landlords took over the power
and pushed the public ahead. These colonial second in
commands were not necessarily competent to run the
functionaries and state systems but they were cruel enough
to subjugate the ordinary masses. Systems deteriorated, rich
became richer, poor became poorer, Justice was found in
books, and leaders became dictators. The very roots of
foundations of state started decaying; all the progressive
curves started a down trip. The faces changed either with
democratic landlord masters or military dictators. Every one
close to ruling class earned the fortune, rest of population
suffered. A culture flourished and got matured, the VIP
culture.
The
abbreviation VIP stands for very important person. This VIP
by local definition must be above the law, or he is called
VIP as he can influence the law. He should be respected and
feared. As he is feared and respected and he is strong, so
it generates an urge for every one else to acquire that
status too. Competition starts on.
A race to
become VIP; a race to become so strong to break the law with
impunity. This is the one of the basic theme of VIP culture.
The theme to rise above the law, because it brings
recognition and respect in the society. When a VVIP(very
very important person) travels from one place to another;
convoy of security vehicles ensures his safety from ordinary
or general public. Often traffic is blocked and roads for
general public are diverted. Businesses hampered and daily
life comes to stand still. This level of security is
explainable in many ways. I do my own explanation. The VVIP
is well above the law and most probably he has breached the
law many times or used his powers against the law and
constitution. This makes him a convict. He has done much
against the common interests of the public through bypassing
the law and he needs protection from ordinary public. Siren
and horns tells public that a big suspect is passing on.
Don’t attack, better back off.
Let’s compare
this social attitude with an attitude of a developed state
or developed part of a society in modern times. In every
developed society, no one is considered above the law.
Practically every one is trialed and executed if falls under
the law. This makes every body respecting law and abiding to
his best. Rule of law creates a healthy competition
attitude. Result is development, progress and advancement.
The healthy competition attitude gives birth to another
culture and that culture can be termed as a Culture of
professionalism and competence. States, nations and
societies built on professional attitude have risen to top.
The power stays in their ranks. So, power stays with those
states and societies who put law and constitution on top.
Rule of law
is the most dynamic and golden principle which guarantees
advancement and glory to an institution, society, state or
country. This golden principle is not a principle known
first time in modern times. This principle is fairly old and
known to us since 600 A.D. The great messenger of God
Muhammad peace be upon him gave that principle and that is
nothing but society based on justice, the same law for every
one; the golden principles of equality.
This is the
golden principle of all times. Whatever state organ, social
section or a country may succeed to implement this
principle, they are most likely to be advanced and
flourished. They acquire grace and dignity. When a nation is
graceful and powerful, its individuals are also graceful,
dignified and glorified.
If the nation
is suffering, no individual belonging to that nation is
absolutely glorified.
So what to do
with this VIP culture? Is this culture undermining our
society and state and national integrity? How to get rid of
this? How to create a healthy environment for competition?
This seems
not easy to get rid of this attitude. Despite living being
expatriates for many years and living in developed
societies, it’s not easy to get ourselves away from VIP
culture, the stronghold attitude, the dictator approach.
How much we
have learnt about democracy, freedom and equality actually? |
