Understanding the Roots of Hatred: A Psychological Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Nature of Hate
Hate is a potent emotion that often divides rather than unites. In this discussion, we delve into the concept of being an "upstander," aiming to disrupt the cycle of hatred that permeates our society.
Have you ever expressed the sentiment "I hate you" to someone? Or perhaps you casually mentioned, "I hate broccoli"? What emotions are you truly experiencing when you utter such words? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "hate" as "intense hostility and aversion usually stemming from fear, anger, or a sense of injury." Across various academic fields—such as education, psychology, and sociology—researchers like us are investigating the roots and implications of hate.
For instance, if you had a frightening encounter with thunderstorms, it might lead you to declare a hatred for them. Similarly, if an unpleasant incident occurred in a specific location, you might now avoid it, claiming to hate that place. Or if someone has wronged you, you may express hatred towards them.
Recognizing hate as an emotional response allows us to explore our feelings and consider their origins. This self-awareness enables us to gather more insights and empathize with the other person's viewpoint.
What exactly is hate, and why do people experience it? There are numerous answers to these inquiries.
Section 1.1: Misconceptions About Hate
Hate is often misconstrued. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it "does not mean rage, anger, or general dislike."
People frequently feel pressured to adopt negative views about certain individuals or groups based on societal influences. For example, one might claim to hate a person or group when they actually feel disagreement, confusion, or discomfort regarding their actions or beliefs.
When faced with unfamiliarity, we may feel anxious or fearful. Instead of fostering curiosity about each other's diverse backgrounds, individuals often resort to judgment—differentiating based on skin color, religion, nationality, or physical ability.
When someone is deemed less significant or less human, it manifests as a form of hatred.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding the Pyramid of Hate
The U.S. Department of Justice characterizes hate as "bias against individuals or groups possessing specific legally defined traits," which can encompass race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and national origin.
Imagine hate as a pyramid. At its base lies biased attitudes, such as stereotypes that portray certain groups as inferior. These negative feelings can escalate into actions like bullying or exclusion. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Asian Americans faced a surge in hate incidents due to prevalent biases.
As acceptance of these biases grows, some individuals may justify discriminatory behavior, believing certain groups are unwelcome in various social or professional settings. At the pinnacle of this pyramid, hate can culminate in violence or hate crimes, reflecting a belief in the superiority of one's own identity. The most extreme manifestation of hate is genocide, as witnessed during World War II against Jewish populations or the ongoing plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar.
This escalation of hate occurs largely because we fail to challenge the biased feelings and actions present at the pyramid's lower levels.
Section 1.2: Combatting Hate
Hate is not confined to individuals; it is also perpetuated by organized groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which target those who are not white, straight, or Christian. Moreover, historical laws such as the Indian Removal Act and Jim Crow laws institutionalized hate against marginalized communities. Silence in the face of hatred only allows it to fester and escalate.
There are numerous ways to contribute to the fight against hate in your daily life:
- Stay alert to the language used in your surroundings. If your circle expresses hateful sentiments about other groups, consider addressing it or reevaluating your associations. Embrace the role of an upstander—support individuals who are targeted and report hate incidents when you observe them.
The first video titled "3 Reasons Why People Hate You" discusses the underlying reasons behind people's dislike and how we can address these feelings constructively.
- Reflect on your own acceptance of hateful language and actions, recognizing hate in both yourself and others, particularly in online spaces.
- Be open to engaging with those who have differing experiences and perspectives. Approach these interactions with curiosity and kindness.
You are not alone in this effort; numerous human rights organizations and governmental initiatives are actively working to eradicate hate. As civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
You might discover that loving others is far simpler than harboring hatred. Your behavior can inspire others to follow suit.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Hate on Society
The second video, "The Real Reason Why Most People Hate You," explores the psychological underpinnings of hatred and its consequences on interpersonal relationships.
This article is produced by The Conversation, a nonprofit news organization that aims to provide context to global events. Learn more about them or subscribe to their weekly newsletter.
Kristine Hoover is funded by the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and is associated with the Eradicate Hate Global Summit. Yolanda Gallardo has no financial ties to organizations that would benefit from this article outside of her academic role.