Stop Digital Harassment

A woman of about 30 dials a number and asks the receiver, "Hello sister, where are you? The election candidate you ardently supported was defeated. Now, did you forget what your resolution was on the eve of voting?" 

The woman receiving the phone call hesitantly responded that she had insisted her favourite candidate would win the House of Representatives election held on March 5. The caller further reminded the hesitant woman why she did not fulfil the promise of 'chop off her ear', reminding her of the debacle of the candidate she favoured. The woman in her 30s continues nagging why the supporter failed to sever her ear as she had sworn it. 

The telephonic conversation was shared live on a social networking site, engaging thousands of audiences. The harassment of the woman who swore for one party leader's victory over another before the recent election did not cease. Even a male trailed her and recorded a video, grilling her on why she did not cut off the ear. 

'I chop off my ear' is an extreme swear word in Nepali parlance. It is an utmost resolution on the issue of personal or public concern. Such a resolution draws broader relevance and meaning if the issue it has taken into account warrants public attention and engagement. It was the same in the case of the woman, who swore to deface herself as the voting for the polls was on the verge. Unfortunately, the result was the opposite, causing her gross harassment over the swearing. 

Of course, the lady was an overconfident and ardent supporter of her party's candidate, while belittling the contender. It is natural to favour any election candidate, but the only reason is not invoked. Emotion drives many, exhibiting overconfidence. It is not certain whether the woman became confident because of her judgment or was driven by emotion. However, she ate a crow. 

Interestingly, it was a case of an election hotspot of Nepal- Jhapa constituency-5, where Chairman of the CPN UML, KP Sharma Oli, and senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen, were in the fray. UML Chairman Oli was defeated by RSP senior leader Balen with a wide margin. 

The promise the lady had before the election turned into gross harassment for her. This incident reflects not only individual behavioural flaws but also the Nepalis' social psyche. The woman swearing in favour of her candidate is innocent and has no reason at all to face such intimidation. On the other hand, calling her even from abroad (as the caller's background suggests) and grilling her over her remark in the neighbourhood is nothing but a reflection of a sadistic nature. Such a mob trend must end immediately because the continuous intimidation of innocence may cause social stigma and torture. 

In today's world, we are fast losing humanity, limiting ourselves to mobile/digital mob. It is counterproductive for us at both the individual and social levels. As long as the digital harassment goes unbridled, it spoils the atmosphere of respect and honour, the essentials of community harmony. Is it the meaning of being social to continue disrespect and harassment, leading to torture and trauma, simply because of one's expression? It is high time we shunned mob psychology and epicaricacy, which is deriving pleasure from others' failure and misfortune.