Thanks so much for coming on the Multifaith Matters podcast in the past to discuss this specific expression of dehumanization. This has allowed me to apply it to interreligious forms of dehumanization where "the other" is seen as metaphysical threat due to their worldview.
I think you identified the paradox that "dehumanizing" is a very human behavior. Weirdly, the anti-semite propagandist creates the monster- all its physical and psychological attributes, only to project it onto, "other." In this sense, monsters only come from the imagination of those who create them and they invariably represent Jung's shadow archetypes (split-off and projected). What we hate in ourselves we gladly pin on others. This serves the purpose of seemingly ridding ourselves of shame and unworthiness while at the same time elevating ourselves in some form of supremest fantasy. Everything is connected and it may be uncomfortable to point out that our most ancient and respected human document in the West, the Torah/Pentateuch, underpins half the world's religious belief. That document creates the rationale for a “chosen” people, justifying entitlement of the Land of Canaan for one religious-ethnic enclave over all others. What is happening in Gaza or Lebanon is spiritually justified by God in a modern re-enactment of Joshua’s campaign of destruction and genocide. The same philosophy underpinned the destruction of Europe's folk religions during the Middle Ages and justified the displacement and genocide of indigenous in the Americas. I guess my point is, monster creation and dehumanization is inherent in our civilization's core belief structure. The only way to reduce the tragedy of such (I think) is to self-reflect personally and as members of identity groups to bring awareness to all the monsters we create and project. At the end of the day, it will always lead back to a hurt child-part in our psyche that was neglected or abused in some way. When acceptance and love are offered to these parts-of-self a shift happens and humans begin to project kindness, beauty, humor, and empathy.
Very good article. I especially liked this profound yet succinct explanation of the interaction between mind, brain, and ideology: "But the way that we speak is the way that we think, and the way that we think—the categories we employ and the relations that we take to hold between them—are hostage to the ideological frameworks that we acquire from our social milieux."
Well.. I need a home. But I promise to always recall and speak of you all in human terms. And I can set those expectations of others. That's the best I have at this point.
Thanks so much for coming on the Multifaith Matters podcast in the past to discuss this specific expression of dehumanization. This has allowed me to apply it to interreligious forms of dehumanization where "the other" is seen as metaphysical threat due to their worldview.
Yes, indeed, our psychology can contort us in ways that are supposed to be unimaginable. Keep telling us.
I think you identified the paradox that "dehumanizing" is a very human behavior. Weirdly, the anti-semite propagandist creates the monster- all its physical and psychological attributes, only to project it onto, "other." In this sense, monsters only come from the imagination of those who create them and they invariably represent Jung's shadow archetypes (split-off and projected). What we hate in ourselves we gladly pin on others. This serves the purpose of seemingly ridding ourselves of shame and unworthiness while at the same time elevating ourselves in some form of supremest fantasy. Everything is connected and it may be uncomfortable to point out that our most ancient and respected human document in the West, the Torah/Pentateuch, underpins half the world's religious belief. That document creates the rationale for a “chosen” people, justifying entitlement of the Land of Canaan for one religious-ethnic enclave over all others. What is happening in Gaza or Lebanon is spiritually justified by God in a modern re-enactment of Joshua’s campaign of destruction and genocide. The same philosophy underpinned the destruction of Europe's folk religions during the Middle Ages and justified the displacement and genocide of indigenous in the Americas. I guess my point is, monster creation and dehumanization is inherent in our civilization's core belief structure. The only way to reduce the tragedy of such (I think) is to self-reflect personally and as members of identity groups to bring awareness to all the monsters we create and project. At the end of the day, it will always lead back to a hurt child-part in our psyche that was neglected or abused in some way. When acceptance and love are offered to these parts-of-self a shift happens and humans begin to project kindness, beauty, humor, and empathy.
Very good article. I especially liked this profound yet succinct explanation of the interaction between mind, brain, and ideology: "But the way that we speak is the way that we think, and the way that we think—the categories we employ and the relations that we take to hold between them—are hostage to the ideological frameworks that we acquire from our social milieux."
Fascinating! Thank you.
Well.. I need a home. But I promise to always recall and speak of you all in human terms. And I can set those expectations of others. That's the best I have at this point.