Vigilante

Lore & Background

Vigilantism and the vigilante ethos existed long before the word vigilante was introduced into the English language. Conceptual parallels exist between the medieval aristocratic custom of private war or vendetta and modern vigilante philosophy. Elements of the concept appear in the biblical account in Genesis 34 of the abduction and rape of Dinah and the violent revenge by her brothers Simeon and Levi. In Western literary tradition, characteristics of vigilantism have often been vested in folkloric heroes and outlaws such as Robin Hood.

Reader's Guide

Vigilantism has appeared across many cultures and time periods, from medieval secret societies like the courts of the Vehm in Westphalian Germany to modern groups such as the Grupos de autodefensa comunitaria in Michoacan, Mexico, formed in 2013 to combat criminal groups like Los Zetas and La Familia Michoacana. Vigilante organizations have also emerged in Finland (Suojeluskunta), the United States (American Protective League, Secret Six), El Salvador (Sombra Negra), South Africa (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs), and Nigeria (Bakassi Boys). The phenomenon raises questions about the boundaries between acceptable citizen action and extralegal punishment, as it often arises when established societal norms are perceived to be threatened and official law enforcement is seen as inadequate.

Did You Know?

• The term vigilante is borrowed from Spanish, meaning 'wide-awake' or 'watcher', from Latin vigilāns.
• Political scientist Regina Bateson defines vigilantism as 'the extralegal prevention, investigation, or punishment of offenses.'