The Danger of Demonizing the “Other”
It never ends well
When it comes to American politics these days, there are plenty of justifiable reasons for people to feel deeply troubled about the future of the United States and/or about certain groups living within the United States.
Unfortunately, these fears and concerns have led too many Americans into some very dark spaces.
Social media is ablaze with declarations that this election wasn’t just about policies or candidates — it was about morality itself. Statements like, “If you supported [Candidate X], you’re complicit in evil,” or, “No decent person could ever vote for [Candidate Y],” have become commonplace.
This kind of rhetoric isn’t new, but when it reaches fever pitch, well…
History shows that a deeply divided, highly agitated society in which the people have little to hold onto for hope or unity is a recipe for disaster.
One way that we are marching ever so more boldly to our demise is by cavalierly and inflexibly demonizing those with whom we disagree.
People are far more complex than the caricatures we create in our minds. Their beliefs stem from a unique blend of personality, experiences, priorities, and the information they have access to.
