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This is probably one of the most disquieting articles I have ever read, and I have to issue a TRIGGER WARNING to, um, maybe everyone? Especially Jews and women. But if you want to know what informs my general approach to people, it's in this article. http://newyorker.com/magazine/2017/11/27/the-root-of-all-cruelty
Adam Serwer gave us a defining characterization of the Trump era: "The Cruelty is the Point." If you haven't read that article yet, here you go. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/10/the-cruelty-is-the-point/572104/
But what does cruelty itself entail? What must one psychologically be capable of in order to be able to be cruel?
The traditional conceptualizations say it entails "dehumanization." That people have to envision who they want to hurt as objects, animals, etc.
The first article suggests the exact opposite. A developing body of knowledge conceptualizes cruelty as a psychological process that entails full recognition of another's humanity, but exulting in treating another as if he or she has none.
Kate Manne applied this conceptualization of cruelty to misogyny. I found it compelling.
"Her humanity is precisely the problem."
"Her humanity is precisely the problem."
Anyway, if you can tolerate some period of uncomfortable reflection, the whole article is worth the read, but this is my general view of Trump supporters: they see the humanity in others that don't look like them, and THAT'S the problem. And that's why his base is still with him.
