21-10-2014, 05:08 PM
Such dehumanizing phrases are not limited to soldiers and government officials. Doctors and nurses refer to their patients by condition (and room number), reporters refer to people as "stories," and prosecutors, judges, and defense lawyers (alas) sometimes see the people in the system as "files."
It allows people to separate their personal lives and feelings from their professional responsibilities. Sometimes that's a good thing, even necessary, like when the surgeon has to cut you open to save your life. Sometimes that's a bad thing, when people die and the people that kill them feel no remorse or responsibility.
I have even seen this phenomenon here on this forum. Large groups of the public are referred to as "sheeple," reporters are referred to as "presstitutes," and so forth. In our zeal to uncover the truth behind JFK, 911, or most other tragedies, we ignore the essential personal and human suffering of those affected. Our ability, and our need, to dehumanize others at need has probably been part of the human psyche since tribal warfare began in the Stone Age, maybe earlier, and it certainly continues today.
Thank you, Magda, for reminding us who we are.
It allows people to separate their personal lives and feelings from their professional responsibilities. Sometimes that's a good thing, even necessary, like when the surgeon has to cut you open to save your life. Sometimes that's a bad thing, when people die and the people that kill them feel no remorse or responsibility.
I have even seen this phenomenon here on this forum. Large groups of the public are referred to as "sheeple," reporters are referred to as "presstitutes," and so forth. In our zeal to uncover the truth behind JFK, 911, or most other tragedies, we ignore the essential personal and human suffering of those affected. Our ability, and our need, to dehumanize others at need has probably been part of the human psyche since tribal warfare began in the Stone Age, maybe earlier, and it certainly continues today.
Thank you, Magda, for reminding us who we are.
"All that is necessary for tyranny to succeed is for good men to do nothing." (unknown)
James Tracy: "There is sometimes an undue amount of paranoia among some conspiracy researchers that can contribute to flawed observations and analysis."
Gary Cornwell (Dept. Chief Counsel HSCA): "A fact merely marks the point at which we have agreed to let investigation cease."
Alan Ford: "Just because you believe it, that doesn't make it so."
James Tracy: "There is sometimes an undue amount of paranoia among some conspiracy researchers that can contribute to flawed observations and analysis."
Gary Cornwell (Dept. Chief Counsel HSCA): "A fact merely marks the point at which we have agreed to let investigation cease."
Alan Ford: "Just because you believe it, that doesn't make it so."