Hatred

Hatred is an intense dislike or aversion toward a person or group, often driven by perceived differences, threat, or prejudice, and it can manifest emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally.

Hatred arises from a combination of psychological processes and social influences. It is linked to group identity, social categorization, dehumanization, scapegoating, and cognitive biases that oversimplify reality. It can be learned through family, culture, and media, and is reinforced by propaganda and fear, making it more resistant to change. Hatred can target individuals or groups defined by race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, politics, or ideology.

Expressions range from hostile language and discrimination to social exclusion, harassment, and violence. Hatred harms targets through stress, trauma, and reduced safety, and it can also harm perpetrators by fueling cycles of retaliation, eroding trust, and distorting judgment.

Historically and socially, hatred has shaped laws, institutions, and conflicts, contributing to discrimination, persecution, and collective violence. It is often amplified by echo chambers, stereotyping, and dehumanization in propaganda and extremist movements.

Mitigation relies on education, intergroup contact, critical media literacy, and legal protections against discrimination. Dialogue, conflict resolution, and restorative justice can address grievances without endorsing hostility. Promoting equality, human rights, and inclusive civic norms helps reduce the conditions that foster hatred.