Module 3: Unmasking Fascism
We've seen how fascism relies on creating an "us vs. them" mentality, demonizing and dehumanizing certain groups of people. But why are humans so susceptible to this kind of thinking? What are the psychological and social roots of prejudice and "othering"?
A. Cognitive Biases (Revisited):
Remember those mental shortcuts we talked about in Module 1? Cognitive biases play a significant role in prejudice and "othering."
Confirmation Bias: We tend to seek out and interpret information that confirms our existing beliefs, even if those beliefs are based on stereotypes or prejudice.
Availability Heuristic: We tend to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easily recalled, which can be influenced by biased media portrayals of certain groups.
In-group Bias: This is a natural tendency to favor people we perceive as belonging to our own group ("us") and to view people outside our group ("them") with suspicion or hostility. This is a fundamental aspect of human psychology, but it can be exploited to promote prejudice.
Fundamental Attribution Error: When judging others we tend to focus on character flaws.
B. Societal Narratives and "Othering":
The societal narratives we discussed in Module 2 – the stories our culture tells us about success, meritocracy, and who belongs – also contribute to "othering."
Dominant Culture: The dominant culture's values and beliefs often become the "norm," and those who don't fit that norm are seen as "different" or "other."
Stereotypes: Media portrayals, historical narratives, and cultural stereotypes create simplified and often negative images of certain groups, fueling prejudice.
Scapegoating: When things go wrong, it's easier to blame a convenient "other" than to confront complex systemic problems.
C. Implicit Bias:
Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that we hold about different groups of people. These biases are often based on societal conditioning and can affect our perceptions, judgments, and behaviors, even if we consciously reject prejudice.
Example: A hiring manager might unconsciously favor a white male candidate over an equally qualified Black female candidate, even if they believe in equality.
Not About Blame: It's important to understand that implicit bias is not about individual blame. It's about recognizing that we all absorb biases from the world around us. The key is to become aware of these biases and work to mitigate their influence.
D. Systemic Oppression:
Prejudice and "othering" aren't just individual attitudes; they're embedded in the structures and institutions of society. This is what we mean by systemic oppression.
Examples:
Racial profiling by law enforcement.
Disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
Unequal funding for schools in predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods.
Discriminatory housing policies.
The Cycle of Oppression: Systemic oppression creates and reinforces prejudice, which in turn justifies further oppression.
E. Fear and Insecurity:
Fear and insecurity are powerful drivers of prejudice and "othering." When people feel threatened – economically, socially, or culturally – they may be more likely to lash out at perceived "outsiders."
Economic Anxiety: Economic hardship and inequality can fuel resentment and scapegoating.
Cultural Change: Rapid social and cultural changes can create a sense of disorientation and anxiety, leading some people to cling to traditional values and reject anything that seems "different."
Political Manipulation: Politicians and other leaders may exploit these fears to gain power and support.
F. Trauma:
Historical and ongoing trauma, particularly the trauma associated with colonialism, slavery, and genocide, can have a profound impact on individuals and communities, shaping attitudes and behaviors across generations.
Intergenerational Trauma: Trauma can be passed down from one generation to the next, creating cycles of violence, poverty, and dysfunction.
Racial Trauma: As discussed in Module 2, racial trauma is the cumulative emotional and psychological harm caused by racism and discrimination.
Impact on Beliefs: Trauma can shape beliefs about the world, making it seem like a dangerous and hostile place. It can also lead to internalized oppression.
G. Black Feminist and Abolitionist Perspectives:
Black feminist and abolitionist thinkers have offered crucial insights into the roots of prejudice and "othering."
Intersectionality (Kimberlé Crenshaw): The understanding that different forms of oppression (racism, sexism, classism, etc.) are interconnected and cannot be understood in isolation.
Critique of Power: Black feminist and abolitionist thought challenges traditional power structures and calls for a more just and equitable world.
Emphasis on Healing: These perspectives emphasize the importance of healing from trauma and building resilient communities.
Angela Davis, bell hooks, adrienne maree brown: Work.
By understanding the complex interplay of these psychological and social factors, we can begin to dismantle the roots of prejudice and "othering" and build a more inclusive and compassionate world. This is not easy work, but it is essential work.