Dehumanisation refers to the process or act of depriving individuals or groups of their human qualities or attributes, thereby treating them as less than fully human. It involves diminishing their dignity, worth, or humanity, often with the intention of marginalising, discriminating against, or even justifying violence or mistreatment towards them.
The concept of dehumanisation encompasses a range of patterns, attitudes, and behaviors that may exclude or reduce people to a subhuman status. This can occur on various levels, from interpersonal interactions to systemic or institutional practices. Dehumanisation often relies on polarising or negative stereotypes to reduce empathy or compassion towards the targeted individuals or groups.
Dehumanisation can manifest in numerous contexts, such as warfare, conflicts, genocide, racism, slavery, or any situation where a dominant group seeks to exploit or oppress others. Common tactics employed to facilitate dehumanisation include objectifying individuals, denying their individuality or autonomy, propagating derogatory language or labels, and portraying them as dangerous or threatening.
The consequences of dehumanisation are profound and far-reaching. It not only harms the victims by stripping away their dignity and subjecting them to mistreatment, but it also corrodes the moral fabric of societies. By dehumanising others, individuals or groups perpetuate injustice, erode empathy and compassion, and undermine social cohesion and equality.
Recognising and addressing dehumanisation is crucial for fostering a more inclusive, compassionate, and just society. It requires promoting education, empathy, and understanding, challenging stereotypes and discriminatory structures, and advocating for the protection of human rights for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
