What is Hatred, and Is There Something We Can Do About It?
Hatred has been a defining presence in human history, weaving its dark threads through the fabric of our collective experience. From the blood-soaked battlefields of ancient wars to the bitter strife of civil conflicts, it is evident that this potent emotion has often served as a catalyst for violence and division. In recent years, there appears to be a troubling resurgence of hate manifesting itself in various forms across the globe. With this in mind, we must confront one pressing question: What exactly is hatred, and is there something we can do about it?
Within academia, studies of hatred are relatively few and far between, yet the topic is not devoid of scholarly attention. There is a broad consensus among researchers that hatred often emerges from a profound sense of having been wronged – because of mistreatment, humiliation, or being prevented from following one’s aspirations. More generally, it might be said that hatred frequently develops in response to someone’s personal boundaries being violated or overstepped. This perceived transgression need not, at first, manifest in grand, dramatic events. It can arise from seemingly mundane interactions, such as a dismissive remark from a colleague that undermines one’s professional integrity, or being regularly excluded from social circles, fostering feelings of isolation. These experiences can ignite a simmering resentment that evolves into a longer-lasting emotional state. While hatred is often accompanied by other emotions, such as anger and contempt, it is distinguished by its longevity; it represents, in other words, not just a fleeting reaction but rather an entrenched emotional attitude or sentiment. There is also little doubt that hatred ultimately serves a psychological function: that of self-defense, as it is ultimately geared towards the elimination of the hated person or group.
There are other interesting observations to be made. Hatred is, for example, rarely focused on specific actions; instead, it is an enduring, unchanging attitude towards a person or group, whose essence or existence is deemed malevolent by individuals harboring feelings of hatred. This attitude is not fleeting, but is rooted in the belief that the object of hatred is immutable: incapable of change. What is striking is that we often reserve our most intense feelings of hatred for people who are intimately known (i.e. not indifferent) to us – indeed, hatred is frequently aimed at individuals we have previously loved.
When asking whether there is something we can do about hatred, it is essential to acknowledge the plethora of self-help advice available, aimed at overcoming one’s feelings of hatred. This guidance often emphasizes the detrimental effects of hatred on our physical health. Yet, a more urgent matter – how we might engage with individuals harboring hatred or how we can collectively diminish its presence within a society – remains conspicuously underexplored.
Scholars have pointed to the role of fear as an important catalyst for hatred; specifically, the fear that one’s economic livelihood may be jeopardized by the presence or actions of another individual or group. Nowadays, anxieties of this sort are not unfounded, since socio-economic reforms in recent decades have left various demographics in precarious financial situations, creating an environment ripe for resentment. Conversely, some previously marginalized groups have experienced improvements in their economic standing, which has inadvertently instigated feelings of threat and insecurity among those who have historically occupied more privileged positions. Addressing socio-economic issues such as these and thereby reducing fear could serve as a helpful strategy in reducing hatred.
Meanwhile, it is also important to note that numerous studies indicate that the proliferation of hatred can be attributed, in part, to a significant lack of direct contact with those towards whom we may feel some animosity – resulting in a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. In an age where genuine interpersonal interactions are increasingly rare, the rise of social media has further intensified this phenomenon, allowing for divisive sentiments to be amplified without the tempering influence of face-to-face dialogue. It is essential to recognize that real personal connections can contribute to diminishing hate. Yet it is also crucial that these interactions do not merely take the form of random, unstructured encounters. Instead, moderated gatherings, where dialogue is facilitated and mutual understanding is encouraged, may provide a more effective framework for fostering empathy and reducing animosity.
Last but not least: intergroup hatred fundamentally relies on the dichotomy of in-group and out-group dynamics. By promoting smaller groups coming together and forming a larger, more inclusive community, we can effectively diminish the usual barriers that breed animosity.
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