Stoning the Dead

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Humans have that inherent tendency to attack those who have already suffered consequences. It is like kicking a man who is already down, throwing stones at someone who has already been punished, or condemning a mistake that cannot be undone. But what is the use of injuring the one who is already dead – either literally or figuratively?

We see this behaviour everywhere. A convicted criminal gets imprisoned, yet people continue to outcast them. A person is exposed for a mistake made decades ago and their story is used as permanent examples in every discussion. A student dropping the school due to behavioural issue is mocked instead of supported. A drug mule is arrested, but instead of tracing the root causes of engaging into such business, we condemn them as irredeemable.

The idea of stoning the dead is not just about harming those who have passed away; it also symbolises the relentless criticism of those who have already fallen, suffered, or been punished. 

In today’s digital world, social media has become the public square where people gather to throw stones. What we fail to understand is that, by engaging in this habit, we are simply indulging in a cycle of blame, anger, and dominance. 

 

Social Media: The Modern-Day Execution Square?  

Social media has amplified the culture of stoning the dead to extreme levels. In the past, judgment was local – limited to one’s village, community, or family. Today, with the power of the internet, someone’s mistake can become global news in minutes. 

Perhaps, it is an era of digital outrage and mob mentality. We must know that the internet never forgets. A single tweet, post, or comment can be unearthed years later, used to shame someone forever. 

Social media facilitates viral humiliation. Stories, news, or videos of personal failures go viral, and people take pleasure in ridiculing others without considering the emotional impact – of the person or their families and relatives. 

It is highly likely that online outrage such as in social media is often mistaken for delivering justice. But does shaming someone for a mistake truly lead to positive change? May be or may not be. Does it merely create a culture of fear and silence? 

Research indicates that the victims of online harassment suffer severe mental health consequences, and some even take their own lives. This is alarming and reminder for us to realise whether public outrage is always justified, or does it sometimes turn into an uncontrolled act of collective brutality?

 

Why People Stone the Dead?  

People are so quick to throw stones at others. These reasons may be related to several psychological and social factors.

Perhaps, people like to express moral superiority. People feel good when they point out others’ mistakes. It creates an illusion of being better, wiser, or more ethical. 

The other reason could be an illusion of justice. Society believes it is delivering justice by condemning wrongdoers, even when legal or natural consequences have already taken place. 

Herd mentality is the next. When a group attacks, individuals feel less guilty for their actions. The crowd gives them a sense of security and justification. 

Consequences of Stoning the Dead 

The habit of stoning the dead may create harmful long-term effects, not just for individuals but for the person’s family or society.

The first thing that none could disagree is an emotional and psychological toll. Those who have already suffered consequences are pushed further into despair, unable to rebuild their lives.

Then there will be a fear of growth and learning. If every mistake is punished forever, people stop taking risks, speaking openly, or attempting to change.

Instead of creating opportunities for correction and progress, people focus on tearing others down. When the entire community engage into this ritual, we may end up building blame-focused, not solutions-focused society. 

Accountability Without Punishment?  

Does this mean people should never be held accountable? Of course not. But accountability should lead to correction, not eternal condemnation. 

True justice corrects and rehabilitates. Our community should allow people to learn from mistakes, make amends, and re-enter life with dignity.

Our society should entrust the responsibility of dispensing justice to those who practice law in the judiciary system. The outcomes of their judgments in the court should be sufficient for us to understand that someone has committed a wrongdoing, rather than us, making impractical judgments. 

A true measure of a good society is not how it punishes the wrong but how it fosters the right. Perhaps it is time we learn to put the stones down.

Ume Lam: The Middle Way   

Life is rarely black and white. While it is important to acknowledge mistakes, it is equally crucial to avoid extreme reactions – either in condemning someone forever or excusing every wrongdoing.

One beauty of our religion Buddhism is that it introduces the value of Ume Lam, or the Middle Way – which advocates for balance in all aspects of life. Applying this concept to social judgment means understanding that people are neither entirely righteous nor entirely wicked; they are shaped by circumstances, decisions, and learning experiences.

Instead of mercilessly attacking those who have already suffered the consequences of their actions, Ume Lam may encourage a thoughtful approach.

I firmly believe that, just as success and failure are a result of causes and conditions (natively known as tendrel), redemption and change also depend on circumstances. Instead of defining people by their past, should we not evaluate them based on their present and potential?

Practising Ume Lam in our social interactions may allow us to foster a culture where learning, change, and progress are valued over endless condemnation. It teache us that justice and compassion must coexist if we wish to build a healthier society.