VIP Culture: A Social Cancer That Must End

VIP culture is an unjust system that undermines social harmony, promotes corruption, and weakens democratic principles

By Abdullah Usman Morai

VIP culture is a term used to describe a system where certain individuals receive preferential treatment based on their wealth, social status, political power, or connections. This practice is prevalent across many societies, from developing countries to first-world nations, though its impact varies. VIP culture is often associated with special privileges such as skipping queues, exclusive access to services, personal security, and lavish lifestyles that are beyond the reach of ordinary people. While it may appear glamorous or aspirational, in reality, it is a deeply rooted social problem that fosters inequality, corruption, and resentment.

Why VIP Culture is Cancerous to Society

VIP culture is not merely an unfair practice; it is a disease that erodes the fundamental values of democracy, fairness, and equal opportunity. It divides people into classes, creating a system where certain individuals feel entitled to special treatment while others are left struggling for basic rights. Here’s why it is damaging:

1. Erosion of Equality: Societies thrive when people believe in the principle that everyone is equal before the law. VIP culture directly contradicts this idea, giving undue advantages to some while neglecting others.
2. Encouragement of Corruption: In societies where VIP culture is strong, corruption flourishes. Politicians, businessmen, and influential figures often exploit their positions to gain privileges, making it harder for ordinary citizens to access basic services without bribes or connections.
3. Public Resources Misused: Public money, law enforcement, and infrastructure are often misused to serve a handful of elites instead of benefiting the majority. Convoys of powerful individuals disrupt public movement, wasting the time and resources of common people.
4. Creates a Psychological Divide: VIP culture reinforces a mindset where the privileged believe they are superior to others, and the common people feel undervalued and powerless. This leads to dissatisfaction, unrest, and sometimes even violent protests against social injustice.
5. Hinders Economic and Social Growth: Societies that prioritize meritocracy over hierarchy progress faster. When undeserving individuals receive undue advantages, talent is wasted, and growth is hindered.

Who is drawn to VIP Culture?

VIP culture attracts people who crave social validation, power, and control. The following groups are typically involved:

1. Politicians and Bureaucrats: Many government officials and politicians use their positions to enjoy privileges that are denied to ordinary citizens. They exploit their influence to get VIP access to healthcare, travel, and other services.
2. Wealthy Businesspeople: The rich often use their money to buy influence, securing special treatment in public and private spaces.
3. Celebrities and Influencers: Many celebrities demand exclusivity, special arrangements, and personal privileges in public settings.
4. Corrupt Officials and Power Brokers: Those in influential positions often use their status for personal gain rather than serving the public good.
5. Common People Who Aspire to Power: Even ordinary people sometimes contribute to VIP culture by blindly following influential figures, reinforcing the idea that some people are more important than others.

Why Do People Show Off?

The tendency to show off is deeply rooted in human psychology. People seek validation, attention, and superiority through various means, and VIP culture provides the perfect platform for this behavior. Here’s why people indulge in it:

1. Insecurity and Inferiority Complex: Many individuals feel the need to prove their worth by displaying wealth, power, or connections.
2. Societal Pressures: In many cultures, people are judged based on their financial status, leading them to flaunt their influence.
3. Power and Control: Being perceived as superior allows people to exert control over others.
4. Lack of Inner Fulfillment: Materialism and social status become substitutes for genuine self-worth and happiness.

The Dangers of VIP Culture in Societies

VIP culture is not just a nuisance; it is a serious problem that can have grave consequences:

1. Injustice and Lawlessness: When influential individuals receive preferential treatment, the legal system becomes compromised.
2. Public Safety Risks: Convoys of VIPs cause road blockages, delaying ambulances and fire services, sometimes leading to loss of life.
3. Widening of Social Divides: The rich-poor gap continues to widen as VIPs monopolize resources meant for all.
4. Decline in Meritocracy: Talent and hard work take a backseat, and undeserving individuals occupy positions of power.
5. Potential for Social Uprisings: When the masses feel neglected, resentment builds up, often leading to protests, riots, or even revolutions.

Is VIP Culture Sustainable?

VIP culture is inherently unsustainable because it creates social instability. Societies built on privilege and inequality eventually collapse due to widespread dissatisfaction. History has shown that nations with extreme class divisions either undergo revolutions or economic downturns. Sustainable societies, on the other hand, prioritize fairness, equal opportunity, and transparency.

What Culture is Sustainable?

A sustainable society is one that ensures justice, equality, and shared prosperity. The Nordic model (as seen in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark) is an example of a society where public officials, businessmen, and celebrities live ordinary lives without unnecessary privileges. Key principles of a sustainable culture include:

1. Equal Treatment for All: Laws and services must apply equally to every citizen, regardless of their status.
2. Merit-Based Systems: Jobs, education, and opportunities should be based on skill and ability rather than connections.
3. Transparency and Accountability: Leaders and officials must be held accountable for their actions.
4. Strong Public Institutions: Well-functioning healthcare, transport, and governance systems ensure that no one needs VIP treatment.
5. Respect for Every Individual: A society should value human dignity over material wealth.

How to Create a Healthy Society without VIP Culture

Creating a society where everyone is treated with equal respect and dignity requires systematic changes:

1. Strict Legal Measures: Implement laws that penalize misuse of power and privilege.
2. Public Awareness: Educate citizens about the harms of VIP culture and encourage equality.
3. Meritocracy in Governance: Elect leaders who focus on serving people rather than enjoying special treatment.
4. Encouraging Simplicity: Promote cultures where even the wealthy and powerful lead humble, responsible lives.
5. Fair Allocation of Resources: Ensure that public services are accessible to all without discrimination.
6. Social Recognition Based on Contributions: Instead of idolizing wealth and power, societies should respect individuals for their knowledge, ethics, and contributions to humanity.
7. Community Engagement: People should work collectively to discourage favoritism and exclusivity in everyday life.

Conclusion

VIP culture is an unjust system that undermines social harmony, promotes corruption, and weakens democratic principles. It is neither sustainable nor beneficial for long-term development. A truly prosperous society is one where every human being is treated with dignity and given equal opportunities. Instead of fostering a culture of privilege, we must work towards a world where fairness, merit, and justice define the social order. Only then can we build a civilization where all individuals are VIPs in their own right.

Read: Addressing Systemic Failures: Role of Government

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.