The Historical Foundations of Intolerance in Modern Society

Today, hate is almost pervasive, permeating different forms of media, creating a sense of division and coldness. People express hate for various reasons, often hiding behind their screens to lash out at those who disagree with them. It’s challenging not to absorb their anger and rage. However, understanding is a potent tool that can bring warmth and clarity to the chaos. While we can’t eradicate hate, with understanding and empathy, we can diminish its intensity, take it less personally, and empower ourselves to make a difference in the impact that hate has.

Hate is a powerful negative emotion aimed at people, things, or ideas. It’s often tangled with feelings of anger, contempt, and disgust. When you hate something or someone, you generally believe nothing is positive about this person or group and that you have nothing in common.

Psychology tells us that hate often stems from mistrust, feelings of powerlessness, or vulnerability. History shows us that hate is frequently tied to issues of power and control. It’s a pattern where one group believes it should dominate another, leading to oppression and violence.

But hate can also come from a place of ignorance and lack of exposure to different cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. One historical example where hate stemmed from ignorance and a lack of exposure to different cultures, beliefs, and ways of life is the European colonisation of the Americas. When European settlers arrived in the New World, they encountered Indigenous peoples whose cultures, languages, and lifestyles vastly differed from their own. Lacking understanding and exposure to these diverse ways of life, many European colonisers viewed Indigenous cultures as inferior or even “savage.” This tragic chapter in history highlights how ignorance and narrow worldviews can give rise to hate and intolerance, resulting in long-lasting damage to entire cultures and communities.

Recognising that hateful actions are not always born of genuine malice is essential. They often stem from deeper issues such as misunderstanding, fear, or a lack of empathy. For instance, during the Salem Witch Trials in the late 17th century, fear and ignorance fueled many of the accusations and subsequent executions. Similarly, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was primarily driven by fear and racial prejudice following the attack on Pearl Harbor. While deeply harmful, these actions were rooted in a lack of understanding and the projection of fear onto innocent people.

Science supports the idea that hate often arises from complex psychological and social factors. Psychology indicates that hate can be a response to perceived threats or significant social and economic stress. For example, studies have shown that individuals who feel economically threatened may be more likely to harbor prejudices against those they view as competitors for resources. Neuroscience also reveals that the brain regions activated by fear and threat overlap significantly with those activated by feelings of hatred, suggesting that these emotions are closely linked. Understanding these factors can help us better comprehend the roots of hate and how to address it, providing us with a more enlightened and proactive approach to combat hate.

Additionally, dehumanisation occurs when individuals or groups are perceived as less than human, stripping them of their dignity and worth. This mindset can lead to hateful actions, as it becomes easier to justify mistreatment or violence against those seen as ‘other.’ A simple way to understand dehumanisation is to think of it as the process of making someone seem less human, often by using derogatory language or stereotypes. For example, during the Holocaust, the Nazi regime’s propaganda relentlessly portrayed Jewish people as subhuman, which facilitated widespread acceptance of their horrific persecution and genocide. This dehumanisation allowed countless atrocities to be committed with little opposition from the broader society.

Understanding that hate often stems from deeper issues encourages us to look beyond the surface. By examining the underlying causes—whether it’s ignorance, fear, or a lack of empathy—we can better address and mitigate hateful behaviors. This understanding, coupled with a strong sense of empathy, empowers us to take a more enlightened and proactive approach to combat hate rather than simply reacting to its manifestations.

So, how do you combat hate? Instead of focusing on those who spread hate, embrace and celebrate who you are within your community and belief system. By standing firm in your identity, you affirm your worth and serve as a guide to acceptance for others.