In English we have the word bullying. What we say when bad behaviour becomes targeted at someone and there is no reason to it or justification. It’s a simple question of intimidation, making someone feel bad, scaring them, pushing them around like they’re nothing. It encapsulates everything that we despise. The use of force – whether physical or verbal – to affect someone personally. Without provocation, without honour, without decency. It’s aggression, pure and simple. Whatever the background, it’s not right or okay. Especially used to describe misuse of power.
Untranslatable words like this feature in every language and mark out its psyche, expressing the psychology of a culture. It is also a view on the world that’s particular. It is worthwhile going into the topic because it brings out state of play. In a world where misunderstandings can have fatal consequences, it is helpful to know what we mean and value. Morality matters, you might say.