The Meaning of Hate, Dehumanization, and Demonization

This article aims to clarify the differences between hate, dehumanization, and demonization. Basically, hate is an emotion. Dehumanization, on the other hand, is an attitude or a way of perceiving another person. Therefore, dehumanization is not a type of hate, nor is it a separate emotion from hate. Dehumanization is an extreme amplification of disgust and is related to disgust in this respect. The same is true for demonization, but it differs from dehumanization in two ways. First, demonization is a form of dehumanization, but it is a more extreme form of dehumanization than animal dehumanization. We can call it demonizing dehumanization. Second, whereas dehumanization excludes the other from the category of morality, demonization places the other on the extreme side of evil within the category of morality. Other than that, the goal is the same: to exterminate the other through violence. Dehumanization of animals and the expression “OO worms” in our society, demonizing dehumanization and demonization in our society may seem similar, but there are differences. In our society, the terms “worms” and “devil” do not envision the other‘s destruction. This level of dehumanization and demonization is referred to in this article as “dehumanizing expressions” and “demonizing expressions”. However, demonization and dehumanization are not new to our society. Comments on articles about violent crime are a classic example. This is why we should care about dehumanization and demonization. Dehumanization and demonization is no one’s problem, it’s everyone’s problem.