We tend to demonize those with opposing moral views from "summary" of The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
We have a natural tendency to see the world in terms of good versus evil, and this tendency is amplified when it comes to moral disagreements. When we encounter someone with opposing moral views, we often assume that they must be driven by malevolent intentions. We demonize them, painting them as villains who are out to do harm. This demonization not only dehumanizes the other person, but it also shuts down any possibility of productive dialogue or understanding. Our tendency to demonize those with opposing moral views is rooted in our evolutionary history. In the past, our ancestors lived in small groups where cooperation was essential for survival. Those who strayed from the group's moral code were seen as a threat to the group's cohesion and were ostracized or even killed. This instinct to demonize outsiders helped our ancestors maintain social order and unity. In today's world, this instinct plays out in our political and social interactions. When we encounter someone with different moral views, we immediately see them as a threat to our own moral code. We feel a visceral need to denounce them and distance ourselves from them. This black-and-white thinking prevents us from seeing the nuance and complexity of their perspective. The key to overcoming our tendency to demonize those with opposing moral views is to recognize that morality is not a zero-sum game. Just because someone has different values or beliefs does not mean that they are inherently evil or malicious. By approaching moral disagreements with an open mind and a willingness to listen and empathize, we can begin to bridge the divide and find common ground. It is only through understanding and dialogue that we can move past demonization and towards a more harmonious society.
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