The Rubinshteinic Guide to Avoid Being Dehumanized

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How We Justify the Unjustifiable

The Star Wars Stormtroopers, the Nazis, demons, and even robots – what do these seemingly entities have in common? They're all victims of the "dehumanization virus", a potent injury of thought that allows us to distance ourselves from others, rendering them less than human, and thus, less deserving of our empathy and compassion.

This virus, unfortunately, is not confined to the realms of fiction. It has tragically infected our real world, paving the way for atrocities like the Holocaust and countless other mass atrocities throughout history.

The Holocaust stands as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of dehumanization. By twisting Darwin's theory into a grotesque justification for their ideology, the Nazis stripped Jews and other minorities of their inherent humanity, portraying them as lesser beings, barely worthy of life itself. This insidious belief system fueled the flames of tempting hatred and discrimination, ultimately leading to the systematic, calculated murder of millions.

The chilling similarities between fictional and real-world dehumanization are undeniable. Just as we witness Stormtroopers mowed down without a second thought, real people, deemed "undesirable" by twisted ideologies, have been subjected to unimaginable horrors.

The disconnect between perpetrator and victim, created by the metaphorical dehumanization virus, allows the conscience to remain disturbingly silent in the face of brutality.

And it is a virus when it is spread by societal norms, like a disease. When it becomes acceptable.

Nevertheless it's important to remember that the virus is not invincible. We can fight it with the potency of empathy, understanding, and a unwavering commitment to recognizing the inherent humanity in every single individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or any other perceived difference. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, we can build a world where the dehumanization virus finds no fertile ground to flourish.

We must never allow the dehumanization virus to take root, for the consequences are far too dire, as presented not only in atrocities such as WW2, but also in lesser known events, such as the Black War in Tasmania. By recognizing our shared humanity, we can collectively build a world where every life is valued and every individual treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

But as long as we would refuse learning from the past, we are likely to repeat it, again and again.

When Fiction Blurs the Lines of Morality

The thrill of victory in a video game, the cathartic release of watching an enemy meet their demise – these are normalized form entertainment, which condition us to see pain and suffering as normal. But beneath the surface of these seemingly harmless narratives lurks a potentially insidious phenomenon: the dehumanization of others.

Whether they're faceless soldiers, monstrous demons, or even seemingly sentient robots, reducing beings to mere obstacles in our path can have disturbing implications for our real-world values.

This, unfortunately, is not just a hypothetical concern. History is littered with examples of how dehumanization has paved the way for atrocities, from the horrors of the Holocaust fueled by Nazi ideology to countless acts of violence against marginalized groups. When you put killers on the screen and market them as heroes, you might inspire others to follow suit in real life, by the psychological affect of having them as role models for younger audiences.

As such, propaganda organizations such as the Global Islamic Media Front may use video games such as the Quest for Bush to trigger anti-American sentiments amongst its content consumers. North Korea, being the propaganda powerhouse that it is, follows suit. And as such, the noble concept of heroism can easily be twisted in the name of social engineering, tailoring our mentality in accordance to the content we consume.

Understand, we humans are at large bad at critical thinking, for we have many barriers in the way. Such barriers, like the reluctance to alter one's own views, is capable of stripping others of their personhood, thus creating environments where suffering becomes invisible, and lives, expendable.

The Challenge to Prevail Evil

The challenge, then, is to break free from this dehumanization trap. We must cultivate empathy and understanding, recognizing the shared humanity that binds us to all living beings, even those who may appear different or oppose us. This doesn't mean allowing acts of evil, such as kidnapping and extorting. For some deplorable acts, nevertheless, show the evil in humanity.

By refusing to fall into the trap of dehumanization, we can build a more just and compassionate world, one where the value of life is recognized and respected, regardless of the labels we attach to it.

Remember, even the faceless stormtroopers in Star Wars are humans, thus leading to a concept called "The Stormtrooper Paradox". It's a powerful reminder that every life, every being, deserves to be seen, heard, and valued, never deserving to be deemed in the corners of global recognition.

Let's strive to create a world where the thrill of virtual victories doesn't come at the cost of our moral compass, and where the lines between fiction and reality are never blurred by the insidious virus of dehumanization.

Recognizing the Spectrum of Personhood

The concept of "evil" is indeed a potent one, often leading to the dehumanization of those deemed irredeemably wicked. To dehumanize evil... isn't it evil by itself, when the people behind it, are humans?

We tend to distance ourselves from their suffering, even justifying it as something they "deserve." To play the devil's advocate (which is very important in critical thinking) --- this is a dangerous path, for who gets to decide who falls under the label of "evil" and who deserves pain? History is rife with examples of such labels being misapplied, leading to tragic consequences. The Spanish Expulsion is such an example, where dehumanizing Jews can lead to the deaths of tens of thousands.

Should we choose to dehumanize specific social categories and/or groups, we risk being evil ourselves, should we even normalize dehumanizing behavior. In order to not be malicious ourselves, we must learn to not do to others, what differnet have done to us. By avoiding the commitment of these same moral fallacies, we are able to transcend the cycle of suffering which evolved and dominated the past and has its roots in the present. Doing so, on a collective degree, has the potential for a more benevolent future.

Some are unworthy of our forgiveness. But despite of the hardship included, some do deserve it.

As such, it's important to avoid romanticizing or condoning heinous acts, no matter how heroic they are marketed by propaganda. Individuals like Hitler and Eichmann made conscious choices with horrific consequences, and accountability is crucial. Blindly claiming "following orders" doesn't negate personal responsibility, especially when those orders are demonstrably inhumane.

Discover how to navigate the intricacies of humanity and personhood, learning how to avoid the pitfalls and embrace the best qualities of being human.

As such, complete obedience should not be seen as heroic by itself, no matter how much it is endorsed by patriotic sentiments.

The key lies in recognizing the spectrum of personhood, one that transcends labels and outward appearances. Perhaps, unless proven morally deplorable, people deserve our consideration and respect.

Conclusions

Ultimately, it's this constant questioning, this ongoing dialogue about personhood and suffering, that keeps us from dehumanizing others. Engaging with these complex issues, without resorting to easy labels or absolutes, is the path towards a more just and compassionate world, both on and off the digital screen.

Let's strive to create a future where entertainment doesn't come at the cost of recognizing the inherent value in all forms of beings. For even the malicious psychopath deserves to be learned from. Learned, how not to be like them. How to be... better. Perhaps, that could be seen as the "tikkun olam" of evil in this world.

Should you share my vision, please share this article for more readers, thank you.