The article discusses the dangerous effects of dehumanization in society, particularly seen in political rhetoric and societal attitudes. It highlights how perceiving a group as a monolith leads to a perceived threat, escalating harmful behavior towards them. Research shows that dehumanization activates parts of the brain linked to disgust, leading to negative interactions and justifying harm against these groups. Moreover, developing quality interactions with the dehumanized can mitigate this view and foster understanding, thus showcasing the potential for social connection to combat systemic injustices.
Dehumanization occurs when we don't see a group of people as fully human. The part of our brains associated with disgust is triggered when we're exposed to people we've dehumanized.
Dehumanization brings out the worst in us. When we see a group as a monolith, if one person in that group steps out of line, we see their entire group as a threat.
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