Dehumanising

Dehumanising is the act of depriving a person or group of people of human qualities such as individuality, compassion, or dignity. It reduces individuals to objects or instruments, denying them their inherent worth and right to be treated with respect. This process often involves the use of derogatory language, stereotypes, and systemic oppression, leading to a loss of empathy and moral accountability. The consequences can range from social exclusion and discrimination to violence and extreme atrocities. It breaks down individuals and leads to an undermining of their values.

Dehumanising meaning with examples

• The propaganda campaign employed dehumanising language, portraying the enemy as vermin and subhuman. This incited hatred and facilitated widespread violence against innocent people. The rhetoric aimed to strip them of their identity and create an 'us versus them' mentality. Using such language made it easier for soldiers to carry out atrocities and commit actions they would have otherwise avoided.
• The factory's rigid work schedule and repetitive tasks were dehumanising for the employees. The workers felt like cogs in a machine. This environment led to a loss of their sense of self, which created feelings of apathy and resentment. The absence of breaks or autonomy stripped them of their dignity and prevented them from establishing meaningful connections with each other.
• The prison system's overcrowding and lack of rehabilitation programs were seen as dehumanising. The inmates were treated as numbers, deprived of basic human needs and subjected to degrading conditions. The dehumanising environment often contributed to recidivism, as released prisoners lacked the skills and support necessary to reintegrate into society.
• The online trolls' relentless attacks and hateful comments were dehumanising, targeting individuals based on their gender, race, or beliefs. The anonymity of the internet emboldened them to express their bigotry and incite harm without remorse. This online hate speech contributed to real-world discrimination and the erosion of civil discourse, leaving individuals feeling isolated.
• The portrayal of immigrants in certain media outlets was deemed dehumanising, presenting them as a threat to the social order, which created a climate of fear and prejudice. This distorted representation erased their individuality and human experience, leading to discriminatory policies and the justification of inhumane treatment. The media's narrative undermined the immigrants' rights.