On Hatred

Hatred is taught and learned.

Leviticus 19:17-18

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

UCLA study definition of hatred: “Hate, as we define it for our study, is an intense dislike that encourages the elimination of its target, involves dehumanization, or the denial of human qualities to others,”

We are living in a time of alarming violence and hatred. There are wars in Ukraine and in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. In addition, there are increasing numbers of mass shootings in the United States. These mass shootings victimize college and university students and schoolchildren from pre-kindergarten to middle and high school. In addition, are the shootings happening in urban, suburban, and rural areas. No one is spared. Synagogues and Mosques have been smeared with antisemitic and anti-Muslim graffiti. The emergence of far right-wing, violent organizations that are neo-nazi is highly disquieting.

Rogers and Hammerstein wrote in their musical, South Pacific, that “You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear; it’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear.” The musical opened in 1949. It addresses the themes of love, prejudice, and acceptance against the backdrop of World War II.

The line “You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear; it’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear” carries a profound meaning and highlights an essential message in the musical. This lyric conveys that hatred and fear are not inherent human traits but learned behaviors. It suggests that these negative emotions are not natural or instinctual. Still, they are taught and ingrained in individuals from a young age through various societal influences.

The song is sung by the character Lieutenant Joe Cable, who reflects upon his prejudice toward interracial relationships. It emphasizes the detrimental impact of societal conditioning on people’s perceptions of those from different racial backgrounds. By stating that hate and fear need to be “drummed in your dear little ear,” the lyric suggests that these harmful notions are actively and intentionally instilled in individuals by society.

The underlying message of this lyric urges the audience to examine the root causes of prejudice and discrimination. It challenges the notion that prejudice is an inherent trait, highlighting that it results from learned biases and irrational societal norms. By emphasizing the importance of education and understanding, the song prompts individuals to confront their prejudices and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society.

“You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” has become an anthem against racism and intolerance. It sends a powerful message that hatred and fear are not innate qualities but products of societal conditioning. The song encourages listeners to question the prejudices they’ve been taught and to strive for a more compassionate and inclusive world.

From a psychological standpoint, it is agreed that individuals are not born with innate hatred or fear towards others. Instead, humans are born with limited basic emotions, such as joy, sadness, anger, and fear, which serve as fundamental survival mechanisms. Hatred and anxiety, as directed towards specific individuals or groups, arise because of social learning and environmental influences.

Studies suggest children are more likely to display positive attitudes and empathy towards others with frequent and positive interactions. Conversely, negative attitudes, prejudice, and fear can develop when individuals are repeatedly exposed to discriminatory behaviors, biased beliefs, or negative stereotypes. Environmental factors, such as family, cultural influences, media, and social interactions, significantly shape an individual’s perspectives and attitudes.

Psychological theories, such as social identity theory and social learning theory, also propose that prejudice and fear can emerge to establish a sense of identity and belonging within a particular group. People often develop negative attitudes towards those perceived as different or threatening to their group, a phenomenon known as the “us vs. them” mentality. This suggests that fear and hatred can be learned as part of an individual’s socialization process.

Delving into the Depths of Hatred: An Exploration of Willard Gaylin’s “Hatred, The Psychological Descent into Violence”

In his chilling yet meticulously researched book, “Hatred, the Psychological Descent into Violence,” Willard Gaylin plunges us into the murky depths of human animosity. He dissects the insidious nature of hatred, tracing its transformation from a simmering discontent to an explosive force capable of igniting devastating acts of violence.

Gaylin’s approach is multifaceted, drawing upon insights from history, psychology, sociology, and even neuroscience. He paints a vivid picture of the fertile ground in which hatred takes root, exploring factors like social identity, group dynamics, and the allure of scapegoating. He delves into the psychological mechanisms that fuel hatred, from fear and anxiety to the intoxicating mix of power and righteousness it can offer.

One of the book’s most interesting aspects is Gaylin’s exploration of the different forms and expressions of hatred. He contrasts the simmering resentment of the ostracized individual with the organized savagery of mob violence. He examines the insidious workings of prejudice and discrimination, demonstrating how seemingly inconsequential biases can pave the way for more brutal forms of hatred.

Gaylin doesn’t shy away from confronting the uncomfortable truths about human nature. He acknowledges the inherent potential for violence within us all and how easily this potential can be triggered under the right circumstances. Yet, he doesn’t succumb to cynicism, offering glimmers of hope through his exploration of empathy and compassion as countervailing forces.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to challenge our assumptions about hatred. Gaylin compels us to move beyond simplistic explanations of “good” versus “evil,” urging us to examine the complex interplay of individual psychology, social dynamics, and historical context contributing to its emergence. He reminds us that even the most horrific acts of violence often stem from deeply human concerns and anxieties, however distorted they may become.

“Hatred, the Psychological Descent into Violence” is not an easy read. It’s a confronting and unsettling journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche. But it’s also a necessary one. Understanding hatred gives us a crucial tool for combating it. By recognizing the warning signs, both within ourselves and in society at large, we can take steps to prevent its destructive escalation.

Gaylin’s book provides no easy answers, but it asks the essential questions. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about human nature and the potential for violence that lurks within us all. Doing so contributes to our understanding of one of humanity’s most destructive emotions and, perhaps, a path toward a more peaceful future.