We each have a Nazi in us. We need to understand the psychological roots of authoritarianism | Gabor Maté
www.theguardian.com
Neuroimaging studies have shown that the amygdala, the tiny almond-shaped brain structure that mediates fear, is larger in people with more rightwing views

Neuroimaging studies have shown that the amygdala, the tiny almond-shaped brain structure that mediates fear, is larger in people with more rightwing views

  • Maeve@kbin.earth
    01·
    2 months ago

    I noticed something for the first time, likely due to social conditioning that I’d missed it before: we have to stop dehumanization when speaking of large and small scale humans. They are not monsters, they are humans, like us. Perhaps if they’d been treated in s humane way, they would have enjoyed some happy coincidence of nature and nurture and not gone on to such egregious acts. “In the beginning was the word,” and abuse starts with thoughts, progresses to belittling, dehumanization and then physical abuse.

    • TimeSquirrel@kbin.melroy.org
      0·
      2 months ago

      As someone on the spectrum, I’ve been ostracized, humiliated, and dehumanized all my life, yet I did not become a Nazi. It only made me angrier at the people who want to put their boots on your neck.

      • Atelopus-zeteki@fedia.io
        0·
        2 months ago

        I’mma guess the answer to your question, is no, Friend TimeSquirrel. Get on wit’ yo’ Bad Self!

        Edit: My assessment is that your anger is righteous, so that’s why I encouraged you to continue as you are. Peace.

        • Maeve@kbin.earth
          01·
          2 months ago

          Reactive abuse is still abuse. That’s not saying don’t defend ourselves. It is saying it’s fine to remove myself and not seek to justify my behavior in becoming that which I found abhorrent. It happens. It’s a l long journey of healing, before I could even about that to myself. Looking at ourselves need not be distorted for better or worse. I can only correct my behavior by hm, to borrow a 12 step phrase, “fearless and searching moral inventory.” No justifications, no excuses. The abyss does indeed look back.

      • Maeve@kbin.earth
        01·
        2 months ago

        It’s dehumanizing. Most of so-called monsters are made, and with proper social and holistic treatment could be rehabilitated and reintegrated. But it’s work, and perhaps more importantly, money from the coffers of those with far more wealth than a hundred generations could ever meaningfully use.

        Power gives people the freedom to act as they choose, and they choose a lot of nastiness. Does it not make sense that unconstrained choices represent who a person truly is?

        Perhaps who they have become. What if these people had loving, supportive homes? Why can’t we utilize* their wealth for everyone who doesn’t or hasn’t had, including them? What if we reimagine re-education as therapy, and education about their own trauma reactions and redirected them to healthier thinking and behaviors, for as long as it takes? Maybe some are too far gone. Are they not human beings deserving of humans care?