Kamilah Bradley
The Impact of Dehumanization
On Tuesday September 22, we discussed and expanded more on the increasing tendency to dehumanize another person or group. In this scenario, Philoctetes is being dehumanized. Depicted as a strong leader to those around him, Neoptolemus and Odysseus believe that his Greek background and connection to the Trojan war is a weakness. As well as, his connection to his father, Achilles. They attempt to use this weakness to their advantage in an attempt to decieve Philoctetes. This initial perception of Philoctetes allows the two to underestimate the wisdom of the noble leader. In class, we learned that misinterpretations similar Neoptolemus’s are more common than we may think. Though unintentionally, people dehumanize others on a daily basis. Sometimes “we trick ourselves into dehumanizing to feel better about ourselves so we feel less guilty or less shameful.” Though, not stated within the passages, I believe that Neoptolemus justifies his evil doings due to a less irrational intent. In his case, the logical reasoning behind the deception may be the reason that they may win a war. Over the course of the story, Philoctetes overcomes the dehumanization and becomes fully humanized. Unlike the original perception Odysseus, the mentor, and Neoptolemus, his mentee, introduce of Philoctetes, his competence may no longer be questioned after his intelligence is publicly introduced.
We spent time reflecting on opportunities to show leadership. During Tuesday’s class we shared ideas on ways in which we can show leadership. I believe that sometimes we may even dehumanize people accidentally without even knowing. A good way to show leadership is disregarding and going against impressions of people based on the opinions of others. It is important that we get our own impression of others because we do not always know the full history behind another person’s perception of someone. It takes much discipline to train oneself to ignore prejudgment in order to truly understand a person that they may not know. It is also very important that we speak up on misjudgment, a good quality of being a leader is teaching others to follow you, in hopes that they gain the leadership character traits that you posses. On Tuesday we also discussed Zeus, the god of hospitality. Learning that amongst many other things, he finds joy in seeing people make promises to one another and keeping those promises. Being a man of your word also shows a sense of leadership, exemplifying characteristics of reliability, commitment, and pride. These traits gain respect from others and as a leader, respect is important. It is also important that the respect received by others is gained rather than given.
The example of Republicans vs. Democrats, and even more specifically conservatives vs. liberals sparked great conversation. Commonly, we make assumptions about others based on groups. Republicans have their own opinions on the ways in which a nation should be ran, believing that a smaller government containing more power is the best solution when attempting to run a nation. Because of a difference of opinion, democrats make stereotypes about republicans and their decisions pertaining to government based on their beliefs. These stereotypes are reciprocated between the two parties. Democrats also have an opinion on the way in which the people should be governed, believing that a strong central government is not a solution, instead it is a problem. Exhibiting belief that diving powers between different forms of government works better within a nation to help the people. Because of he division between the two political parties and the beliefs shared within the two, dehumanization arises. This initiates problems between the opposing parties due to difference of opinion, believing that one opinion is stronger and better than the other. They may also believe that only one opinion is the right opinion overrall.
In my experience, I believe that in many cases African Americans are constantly dehumanized by the majority. Depicted as less than, Blacks struggle with acceptance in a considerably ‘white washed’ nation. To make matters worst, African American women are dehumanized above all. When we divide ourselves into factions we make it easier to dehumanize others. Since the beginning of time, blacks and whites were segregated, as well as women and men. Even now, we still fight to end the division amongst our women and men alongside the division of the minority and the majority. Blacks have been dehumanized by being regarded as “physically disgusting” as stated in the five scenarios. The color of our skin causes us to be seen as the inferior race. As well as African Americans, hispanics, being another minority, are extremely dehumanized in society. Hispanics are treated as if they don't belong, following the out-group “not one of us” scenario. In addition to the dehumanization of people based on their race and/or color of their skin, people are dehumanized based off their religious beliefs. Not only in this nation, but all over, muslims are dehumanized, expected to act a certain way due to prior stories and beliefs of others. The fact that the islamic religion is based on peace is disregarded in the eyes of the dehumanizors. Even Arabs that are muslim are dehumanized due to their appearance, stereotyped to be evil, cruel beings and terrorists.
In passage 5 Philoctetes states that “all human destiny is full of fear and danger and prosperity may be followed by opposite” in an attempt to further demonstrate that irrational and illogical decisions have punishments. In other words, this means that with any attempt to interfere with human destiny in a negative way there will be a punishment. The punishment may result in failure. This statement is the most significant part within the entire story. Contrary to the introduction of Philoctetes as a symbol of guidance and leadership through his strength, the perception is increased from not only strong but wise and noble. Because of this, an understanding and a greater sense of respect is given towards him. The sudden change in opinion the readers have on Philoctetes shows the readers how fast dehumanization can change. In a sense, this is happening now within our generation. The fight for equal rights has now expanded, we, the African American community, demand the respect in which we truly deserve. After generations of silence and complicity, we are now retaliating. Finally, we are saying “no” to the dehumanization of an entire race based off physical appearance. We demand justice for all that we have suffered revolving around the dehumanization of our people. Essentially, African Americans have been dehumanized by whites based off all five scenarios:
When they had “power over us:” Because African Americans were forced to build and recreate a new land that had been “conquered” they were treated as subpar. Slaves were seen and treated as powerless, while white men were “powerful” and “superior.” The slaves were owned by white men, making them property rather than human. This takes dehumanization to an entire different level. Blacks were not allowed to vote and it was not until 2009 when America received their first African American president, and of course this came with much backlash and denial.
When THEY have harmed US: As slaves black men and women were often abused both mentally and physically, from being beat to having to watch their own kind as they were lynched right before their own eyes. Women were also raped by white slave owners commonly. The abuse expressed hatred and their feelings of superiority to the Blacks. To this day, black people are harmed by ignorant white people and cruel cops that are racist.
When WE have witnessed US being harmed: All over the world, Blacks are seeing other Blacks being mistreated, abused, and killed due to police brutality and all other formed of assault. The abuse does not end here, while encountering their own abuse, slaves had no choice but to watch other slaves get abused. Social media has made it possible for people within different countries to view the struggles that African Americans face every day while living in America. The harm is constant and inevitable, this causes long term mental harm to those who have had to witness their own kind being hurt without reason aside from dehumanization and racism.
When they regard US as members of an out-group(“not one of them”): It is obvious that Blacks are seen as indifferent to other races due to the darker color of our skin. Due to the difference in skin tone, African Americans were not seen as equals. Somehow, in the minds of the majority, the darker skin tone demonstrates ignorance and inferiority. In the eyes of the superior race, “we are not one them.”
I believe that to ensure the full humanization of my people, I must too, stand with my people. As well as standing with my people, I must stand for my people. Though I have many goals set for myself, my ultimate goal is to ensure that I do not become a statistic, that I do not become complicit to the expectations set for my people by the white oppressors. Not only for the black community, but for the women as well. Success statistics are especially not in favor of the average African American woman and this must change. Though it may not seem as impactful now, in the long run it will have an affect on the generation that will arise. Setting an example may be all it takes to end the many years of oppression within our country. All it takes is one person, one leader, and the people will follow. Enough is enough. Eventually, the dehumanization of women, African Americans, muslims, and hispanics will be abolished and converted to humanization. As did Philoctetes in the story.
