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About this quote

What does it mean?
To justify cruelty, we often dehumanize the victim as subhuman or divine rather than equal.
In plain terms
We treat people as less than human to hurt them without guilt.
What can you take from it?
Recognize dehumanization when justifying harm.

Where it applies

  • conflict
  • abuse
  • propaganda

Putting it to work

  • critique dehumanizing rhetoric
  • humanize opponents

Questions to consider

  • When have I minimized someone to justify actions?
  • How do we avoid this trap?

Another view

Not all cruelty relies on dehumanization.

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