Answer to Question #190178 in English for Ben

Question

Buur & Jensen (2004:144) propose that vigilantism should be considered as a form of “everyday policing” as opposed to the conventional understanding of vigilantism as simply “anti-individual, anti-social and anti-state” (Buur, 2003:24). Write an essay of 2000 words in which you critically discuss why this alternative view on vigilantism is useful and productive for studying justice in post-apartheid South Africa. In your answer, elaborate on the conventional understanding of vigilantism as well as Buur & Jensen’s alternative proposition. Also, discuss what is meant with transitional justice to support your argument (tip: this should help you to conceptualise why vigilantism is a popular form of justice in post-apartheid South Africa as a response to the failure of the post-apartheid state to provide security). Apart from the two sources mentioned above, you are required to use at least two more academic sources and one newspaper article as evidence for your argument.

Answer 1

A common understanding of vigilantism is that it emerges as a result of a breakdown in trusting communal bonds however Buur and Jansen argues that close-knit relationships in township communities may actually facilitate vigilantism, not suppress it. Citizens who fight crime even if sometimes using force felt that doing so meant they were playing good.