The theory of evolution suggests that we humans have come a long way from our primitive ancestors in the way we live and behave. In the face of danger for example, our ancestors would either flee from the situation, faint or fight the predator. Today as evolved human beings, when we face danger we fall back on more astute cognitive strategies for survival. We fall back on systems like the medical, legal and defense services to save and protect us. This is what we believe makes us more human and less animal like.
But ever so often our dyadic nature reminds us of our four-legged ancestry. Extreme emotions crop up to small triggers, challenging every bit of civilized decency that otherwise is the vanity of the human race. Yes, we are aware of our primitive companion but sometimes not enough to acknowledge its presence and behave rationally.
In the process of evolving, our ancestors also imbibed a cultural ethos that gave them unique identities. A classic example is our own cultural identification that makes us special enough for others to want to adopt. A trait that our Goan forefathers had probably strived very hard to perfect - the art of living a relaxed life in harmony with each other and their environment, giving us a well-respected and much sought after title of being susegado.
Goans by nature were once described as warm, open minded and tolerant people. Today we no longer can pride ourselves of such traits. There is a change in the profile of its dwellers with a restlessness that is waiting to give vent. An overwhelming pent up anger waiting for release, which at its best can be described as a survival trait, seen more often in places where resources are scarce and takers are many. When such anger groups together the resultant behavior is violence and destruction.
Mob mentality happens when groups of people act without reason or rationality and with emotional excitement. The madness that follows is nothing excusable. This happens only because people feel that since they are part of the group they cannot be held responsible for the violence and destruction.
And such was the case with the mob that went violent at the Hospicio hospital recently. A landmark of Margao, the hospital represents an iconic structure of Goa’s medical services. HospÃcio do Sagrado Coração de Maria was started by Fr António João de Miranda in Margao, in 1867.
From within this historical edifice every year, thousands, mostly non-tax payers from Goa and neighboring states, avail free medical services and medication. The medical and paramedical staff that work there are understaffed and overworked to say the least. They constantly have to battle with long tiring hours that their profession demands, in conditions that are nothing worth boosting. In addition to their professional expertise, this team of doctors have to skill themselves to deal with the families who have suffered tremendous loss. One can but describe their state after long hours in operating theaters and OPD clinic of something to be envious about. The least that this vocation can be given is a due respect. Yet we seem to target these professionals by making them a punching bag of our adulterated systems.
The truth of the matter being that when a young man in his early 20s is presented for back pain at the OPD, the immediate diagnosis anywhere in the world would never have been an emergency, unless of course there is some form of special history which the patient was presenting. Like in the case of the deceased Akbar Gazi. The doctors are being held responsible for negligence, but who questions the negligence on part of the deceased’s family. What history was given to the doctors by the family for them to treat this as an emergency? More importantly, what lifestyle was Akbar Gazi living for him to have such a massive heart attack at the age of 22? A cause of concern for many young gym goers is the use of unwanted steroids to look good. Did the family intervene with regards to such concerns? Did they even discuss this concern with the doctors? The deceased family will hide behind a sympathy wave but the doctors that save lives will be scrutinised for negligence. And what about the agency that hired him as a gym instructor and security agency that reinforced this body image. Are they being held responsible for his death?
No, we want easy targets to vent our frustrations and the best way to do so is to hide behind a mob. Become invisible. The truth is, on August 26, the mob did not only destroy glass panes that were 250 years old and in a way irrecoverable heritage, but also they destroyed the ethos of a civilised society.
- Dr Aldina Braganza e Gomes is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist and associate professor, HOD, Dept of Psychology Carmel College
