Don't be a "scumbag" and don't be a scumbag. Shooting lesson in Dnipro
The nation is teetering on the edge of a contentious debate regarding acceptable behavior within society. The recent incident involving a drunken attacker assaulting police officers in Dnipro, along with the subsequent criminal proceedings against one of the patrolmen, has far-reaching implications for our cultural values. Outside of the legal ramifications, this case has the potential to shape the societal norms we uphold.
If a police officer were to be held accountable for their actions, it could inadvertently send a message that drinking and driving, swapping seats with a passenger, verbally abusing law enforcement, and physically assaulting them are socially acceptable behaviors. Essentially, a judicial ruling in favor of the officer’s prosecution may inadvertently normalize these actions within our society.
Furthermore, the criminal case being pursued against the police officer for “exceeding their powers” rather than for the attack on their colleagues raises questions within our society. People are unsure whether the driver involved in the assault on the policemen has also been charged under Resolution 345 of the Criminal Code. This uncertainty only adds to the prevailing concerns and exacerbates the issue at hand.
On the other hand, if the police officer is acquitted due to the threat posed by the assailant’s aggressive actions, which could have potentially led to a greater tragedy had the criminal obtained the officer’s weapon, and if the patrolman is commended for their appropriate response in the face of adversity, then a criminal case would be opened against the deceased and their co-conspirators for numerous violations, including an attack on police officers. This would ultimately send a clear message to society that such behavior, demonstrated by a drunken hooligan, is unequivocally unacceptable.
Sadly, our current reality reflects a situation where law-abiding citizens who diligently pay their taxes and strive to adhere to ethical standards are the ones who suffer the most. In an autocratic Ukraine, the social standard for success seems to be an overly talkative individual (regardless of gender) who manages to become part of someone else’s patronage pyramid. These individuals seem to be exempt from the rule of law, enjoy special privileges, and avoid paying their fair share of taxes. Their way of life is indicative of corruption, causing both citizens and law enforcement to fear them due to the potential harm they can inflict on their careers and lives. Regrettably, the deceased individual from the Dnipro incident serves as a prime example of this standard.
Moreover, the issue lies in the fact that nobody strives to be right anymore; instead, everybody aspires to be successful. This mindset appears to be prevalent among the vast majority of citizens, as studies on societal cynicism have consistently shown. If we want society to genuinely embrace socially correct and ethical behavior, we must incentivize such conduct by ensuring that it leads to success. The right path must become profitable, so that yielding to what is right also becomes lucrative. It is imperative that we applaud individuals like the woman in the Dnipro incident who took the wheel after the driver had consumed alcohol, and the passengers (including children) who did not encourage illegal actions but instead urged the driver to stop and pay the appropriate fine for violating traffic rules. This is the correct approach! In turn, the father should respond with gratitude rather than aggression, appreciating the fact that his children prevented him from breaking the rules.
In order for society to deem those who deviate from social norms and exploit communal resources, including the abuse of civil rights, as unacceptable, we must redefine our standards of success. Rather than viewing these individuals as the epitome of achievement, we need to recognize that success comes from honest, hard work and adherence to ethical interactions based on legislative norms enacted by our elected representatives. Entrepreneurs should be seen as risk-takers who contribute to the country’s GDP, create employment opportunities, and help fill the national budget, rather than mere targets for exploitation. Taxpayers deserve respect, as they should not be seen as fools for their contributions to the greater good. Our ultimate goal should be to transform Ukraine into a nation where honest work and adherence to ethical norms lead to success, rather than the breaking of rules.
Ruslan Rokhov, political technologist and managing partner of PGR Consulting Group LLC (content length: 3000-5000)
