This question is referring to the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was an ex-slaves who later managed to climbed his way up to become a statesman.
In his recollection, he mentioned 2 men who were put in-charge of him during his slavery days. Those two men were Mr.Severe and Mr.Hopkins.
He said that Mr. Severe was a cruel men. He often beat the slaves for no reason and always talk to the slaves in a demeaning attitudes. Mr. Hopkins on the other hand, was a different man. Douglass said that hopkin was strict, but never took pleasure in hurting the Slaves like Mr. Severe. This is why he respected Hopkins.
When they act against their common interests and/or threaten the safety of the people without cause. Basically, if they cause unecessary harm to the people of that country or state etc.
