I’ve been thinking about ‘dehumanization’ as the favorite word for describing the process by which we decide to do violence to each other. I think we flatter our vanity when we use this term. We allow ourselves the idea that people being good to people is the basic definition of human behaviour, when we all know it’s just one of several exciting ways humans quite routinely treat each other. I’m on guard for these little ingratiations, these “is there anybody here from WISCONSIN???” tactics that relax us into thinking we’re among friends when we’re in a mob.
I would prefer “objectification” over “dehumanization” as a more useful descriptor. “Objectification” tells you that the violence-maker acts with a purpose: the transformation of a fellow-feeler into an instrument that extends their will. “Dehumanization” just tells you that the violence-dealer is unmanning people, that he is dishonorable and disdains fairness. I reject empty affirmations of group status as part of the overall infection with hierarchy that sickens and limits human social potential. What’s useful is material evidence of double standards for different groups, a genuine interest in fairness and understanding, and the ability to contextualize your own ego within a fifteen billion year history.
