The recent emergence of gangsterism-based cases had created a shady light over Indian Malaysians, with their infamous involvement in it. No doubt that in actual fact there were many cases involving them and it is highly prevalent that they had contributed quite a handful to the menace.
Whilst action is being taken to curb this issue, it is also rather crucial to view the reasons of Indian Malaysians being involved in such notorious activities and this can be done in many perspectives. A psychological perspective would be one of it and it shall be a rather crucial one
A minor and consistent group of Indian Malaysians psychologically resort to gangsterism based on a few factors which are
1. ‘Struggle for survival’ mentality
Being the minority and originating mainly from rural areas, quite a number of Indian Malaysians are rather deprived of having a proper education and economic and social opportunities, resulting in them feeling alienated and feeling denied of equality in the development front.
This situation makes them view themselves as less fortunate and a left out in the socio-economic development, finally resulting in them developing a mentality of “struggle for survival” and this “struggle” is often misinterpreted with “physical action or violence” to generate income or to create a better status quo in the society via power from violence or through gangsterism
2. Misconception of the Indian culture and characteristics
The “Indians” have always been known for their bravery and strength from back in ancient times, but this great Indian characteristic of bravery, courage and strength in the glory days was rather channeled for nation/civilisation development, struggle for independence, social development and economic development.
It is currently misconceived as irrational courage and unnecessary violence, making them affirm the characteristic of Indians who are courageous and strong, but for all the wrong reasons
3. Lack of religious and maturity-based teaching and learning
The complexity of the culture and religion of the Indians, which is not well-addressed and conveyed to young minds, results further in making them poor decision-makers and less matured individuals. This makes them an easy prey to be lured into the world of violence without the ability to judge and evaluate rationality and relevance
4. Film and media influence
Films today have a high impact on youths. The films and media transfer the idea of greatness of heroism and the use of violence to seek social justice, and this fiction is often misconceived as a reality, resulting in them taking matters into their very own hands and leading to gangsterism rather than resorting to proper channels.
5. Lack of proper guidance and example
Guidance and example of the proper is often lacking among Indian Malaysians when compared to the misguidance and bad examples, when a person in involved in gangsterism the world view of the young ones towards it are of heroism, bravery and courage rather than violence and gangsterism which is an anti-social element. Such clarification, guidance and a good example should be nurtured by elders or societal leader to curb the influence of gangsterism
The above are a few factors which connect Indian Malaysians to gangsterism psychologically; those are rather factors which are interconnected overall making them a victim of misuse by the well-organised illegal anti-social group or gang founders for their own economic, political or social status reasons.
The very minor group of such Indian Malaysians are moreover misused by some groups for the wrong reasons and are used less by the relevant parties who could have made them better persons if given the development chances.
Thus it’s a mutual task of society at all levels from the authorities to individuals, to remedy the damage which has been done and to curb the damage by identifying the psychological reasons towards gangsterism among Indian Malaysians resulting in violence or gangsterism and addressing it in the way it should be.
