What's Going on with Humanity: Shifting from Dehumanizing to Rehumanizing

"Mother, mother, there's too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother, there's far too many of you dying…” - Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On

The haunting and soulful strains of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On " ring just as true today as they did when they first echoed in the 1970s. Through his poignant lyrics, Gaye captured the essence of a society grappling with issues that seemed insurmountable. Half a century later, one can't help but wonder if we've made progress or if, in some twisted way, we've moved even further away from our shared humanity.

Understanding the Terminology

Dehumanizing refers to the process by which individuals or groups of people are perceived as less than fully human or outside the boundary of humanity. This perception reduces individuals to the status of things, stripping away their unique human characteristics and qualities, ultimately making acts of discrimination, harm, or violence against them more acceptable or bearable.

Rehumanizing , on the other hand, is the process of restoring or affirming the inherent worth, value, and humanity of individuals. It involves recognizing and treating people with the dignity, empathy, and respect that every human being deserves.

Dr. Sandra D. Wilson's book "Hurt People Hurt People" delves deep into this predicament. As the title suggests, individuals who have experienced hurt, in turn, often perpetrate that hurt onto others. Living in a trauma-infested existence has not only perpetuated the cycle of hurt but has also fanned the flames of hatemongering, leading us down a dangerous path of dehumanization.

Generational Hate: A Cycle That Perpetuates Dehumanization

Trauma is not a one-off event. Its shadows linger, often being passed down generations, becoming a tragic inheritance. Wars, racial strife, and hate crimes all find their roots in generational trauma and hate . And in every act of violence and discrimination, the act of dehumanizing the 'other' is at its core.

Wars and strife, whether on a global scale or localized conflicts, can often be traced back to this ingrained and generational dehumanization. The 'enemy' is no longer seen as people with families, dreams, and fears similar to ours. Instead, they are dehumanized, reduced to mere labels - 'terrorists,' 'rebels,' 'infidels.'

Finding Our Way Back

So, how do we break this cycle? How do we shift from dehumanizing to rehumanizing?

• Acknowledgment: Recognizing and acknowledging past and present traumas is the first step. We need to understand the impact of generational hate and how deeply it's ingrained in our psyche.
• Education: History is not just dates and events. It is a deep dive into understanding human behaviors, the reasons behind those behaviors, and the impact they've had.
• Empathy and Compassion: Create platforms for shared stories. Let people hear firsthand the dreams, fears, and aspirations of those from different backgrounds.
• Active Healing: Mental health needs to be a priority. This includes therapy, counseling, and community healing initiatives.

Moving Forward: The Role of Each Individual

Every one of us plays a crucial role in this shift from dehumanization to rehumanization. Change, though daunting at a global or even national level, can begin at the grassroots – within our homes, communities, and local spaces. We begin this process through our own:

1. Self-awareness: Before we can bring about change in the world, we must introspect and identify any biases or prejudices we may unconsciously hold. Only by acknowledging these can we begin the process of unlearning and reeducating ourselves.
2. Dialogue: Open, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations are essential. These dialogues, whether with family, friends, or within communities, serve as platforms to challenge age-old stereotypes and beliefs.
3. Cultural Exposure: Immersing oneself in diverse cultures, traditions, and lifestyles fosters understanding and appreciation. Travel, read diverse authors, watch foreign films, attend cultural festivals, and be genuinely curious about the world and its myriad of people.
4. Mentorship and Role Models: It’s crucial for younger generations to see and interact with role models who embody the principles of empathy, respect, and understanding. Being a mentor or seeking one can be a powerful catalyst for change.
5. Active Participation: Engage in community programs, initiatives, or movements that aim to bridge divides. Whether it’s a local community center initiative, a global non-profit, or even an online community, active participation magnifies the ripple effect of positive change.
6. Promotion and Consumption of Responsible Media: Media plays a powerful role in shaping perceptions. We must choose to consume content that is unbiased, informed, and promotes unity. Similarly, supporting creators who focus on such content amplifies the right voices.

The Path Ahead

While the journey from dehumanizing to rehumanizing is complex, it isn’t insurmountable. Although not perfect and without challenges, history is filled with instances of societies that have overcome deeply entrenched prejudices. The Civil Rights Movement, the end of apartheid, and the numerous peace movements worldwide serve as testament to humanity's capacity for change and growth.

The call isn’t just to 'not dehumanize.' It is to actively rehumanize, to constantly reaffirm the intrinsic worth of every individual, and to celebrate our shared human experience in all its diversity and richness.

Conclusion: Acknowledging Violence, From the Domestic to the Global

As we take a moment to recognize October as National Domestic Violence Month, it's crucial to understand that violence is not limited to our homes or immediate surroundings. It extends beyond borders and boundaries, impacting countless lives on a global scale.

The wars in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, the strife in Sudan, and numerous other conflicts, often not spotlighted in the headlines, serve as stark reminders of the global epidemic of violence. Just as domestic violence shatters the sanctity of home, these wars disrupt the harmony of nations and the world community.

Now, I'm under no illusion. I recognize that there are individuals or groups who, for reasons beyond comprehension, will continue to embrace hate. Yet, this realization does not deter those of us who are committed to the ideals of love, peace, and harmony. It doesn't stop us from dreaming of, and working towards, a world where humanity thrives. Each human life, regardless of its perceived flaws or virtues, has intrinsic value. Whether deemed good, bad, pretty, ugly, or indifferent, every individual carries within them the potential for change, growth, and connection.

It's a poignant reminder that our quest for rehumanization isn't confined to just interpersonal relationships or communities but needs to be addressed at a global level. Every individual affected, whether in a household or a war-torn country, deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and humanity.

So, as we focus on healing and advocacy this October, let's broaden our horizons. Let's commit not only to combatting domestic violence but also to advocating for peace, understanding, and rehumanization on a global scale.

In the words of Marvin Gaye, we must ask ourselves daily, “What’s going on?” And then, with conviction and action, pave the way for a world where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. For in the collective tapestry of human existence, every thread of peace woven into the fabric helps mend a world torn apart by violence and hate. And it starts with each of us, one human being at a time, doing our part to make a difference.

References:

Burgess, H. (2020). Dehumanization. Retrieved from https://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/dehumanization#narrow-body .

Doukouré, N. (2023). ?The inheritance of hate. Retrieved from https://girlswritenow.org/story/the-inheritance-of-hate/ .

Kelly, M. (2021). The great rehumanization. Retrieved from https://www.matthewkelly.com/post/the-great-rehumanization .

McCarthy-Jones, S. (2020). Why some people are cruel to others. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/bbc-cruel-people .

Moon, T. (2000). The story of Marvin Gaye's 'what's going on.' NPR. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/npr-m-gaye .

Rediehs, L. (2014). From dehumanization to rehumanization. Retrieved from ?https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/media/series/ethics-online/from-dehumanization-to-rehumanization .

Wilson, S. D. (2015). Hurt People Hurt People: Hope and Healing for Yourself and Your Relationships. Our Daily Bread Publishing.