Introduction. Vigilantism—an Overview

The interest in vigilantism in popular culture stemmed from a concern with its impact on behavior and the implications for the rule of law. The introduction suggests that the efforts of individuals or groups to secure justice outside the formal justice system is to some extent universal. It also insists vigilantism is not “a one size fits all” conception. The hegemony of the United States and Hollywood and the problematic politics of its version of vigilantism in film had had a profound impact worldwide. Nevertheless, in almost all the various countries are quite specific local factors which have determined what kinds of issues drive popular culture representations of vengeance. These are rooted in the local histories of each state and are remarkably diverse.