dehumanizes

Dehumanization is a psychological and social process wherein individuals or groups are stripped of their humanity, perceived as less than human, or as objects. This process can manifest in various ways, including the denial of individual characteristics, emotions, or complex thoughts, and the attribution of animalistic or mechanical qualities. It often involves reducing individuals to a set of negative stereotypes or essentializing their identity based on group affiliation.

The concept of dehumanization is frequently discussed in the context of prejudice, discrimination, and violence. When people are dehumanized, it becomes easier to justify mistreatment, exploitation, or even harm towards them. This is because the moral barriers that typically prevent harming others are lowered when the target is no longer seen as fully human. Historical examples include propaganda used during wars and genocides, where enemy populations were often depicted as subhuman or monstrous to incite hatred and enable atrocities.

Psychologically, dehumanization can involve several mechanisms. One is the denial of uniquely human characteristics, such as sentience, capacity for suffering, or moral agency. Another is the metaphorical dehumanization, where individuals are compared to animals or objects, suggesting inferiority or lack of complexity. Socially, dehumanization can be reinforced through group dynamics, cultural narratives, and institutional practices that perpetuate negative perceptions of certain groups. Understanding dehumanization is crucial for addressing intergroup conflict and promoting empathy and respect.