Why do we find it so easy to dehumanize people who don't think like us or look like us?
106077
It goes back to the self/other distinction which I think is engrained into everyone's mind. Somewhere in the bottom of everyone's mind is the old, animalistic belief that they must be forever on guard by attacks from beings which are outside of their species or "pack."  People don't like dealing with uncertainty.  Some find it easier to classify all unknown/unfamiliar things as "enemy," to be feared and despised, than to think about every person or group on a case by case basis. \n\nAlso, most people want to believe that the way they're living is right, and they find it easier to believe it's right if they convince themselves that everyone else is wrong.   Self-doubt can be very hard to deal with. People reinforce this belief by thinking (unconsciously or otherwise) that their own race, culture, religion, etc., is the one which is most "human."  They therefore find other cultures and races to be not valid as members of the human race. This used to be much more pronounced than it is today; as little as a hundred and fifty years ago, well-respected scientists were still trying to decide if blacks or native americans were "true" humans, or if they were a separate species in between human and ape.  Whenever I get depressed by some of the mindless drivel about superior cultures or races today, I remind myself that humans, as a whole, have gotten a *lot* better about this.
47778
That's really two questions! The first is people are afraid of who they might find if they really take a good look at themselves or think about thier own strengths and weaknesses, so they unconsciously choose to distract themselves by focusing on others. The second is that you are self confident and not afraid of who you are!
1036786
Because they don't care about anyone except themselves. That's what's wrong with the world today...it's each man for himself, rather than mankind helping one another out. The world would be too perfect and easy that way. Plus, people ridicule and make fun because they fear the unknown. It's easier to pass judgement than to get to know someone. It's called ignorance. Hopefully they'll grow up someday and start treating folks the way they want to be treated.
1095481
When I discover people being hypocritical, instead of hating them, I try to logically trap them in their lies. It makes them look stupid, and discourages them from being that way in the future.
1113983
it's because sometimes we see ourselves less than others...
903655
We are all guilty of this to some extent, aren't we?  On one hand, it is proof of how comfortable we are around our family members.  On the other, why is it so hard to offer them the same respect when they are so much more valuable to us than a stranger is?  We all should work on that, I think.......
373264
because some people are afraid to pay attention to a few little details and to get to know people who are a little different than themselves...
863399
I get what you're saying, but its not that easy.\n\nHow do you propose people be who they are?  How do they know who they are?\n\nAnd more importantly, WHY are they who they are?  We are who we are BECAUSE of society.  Like the person above me said- you wear clothes because its the norm in this society.  Your views are almost definitely influenced HEAVILY by society. Appearance is the same.  \n\nI used to be all caught up in this "be yourself" BS, but I think the majority of the people in the world ARE being themselves, even if somewhat subdued around those they don't know.  For instance, people choose clothes on the basis of what appeals to them and what THEY think looks cool.  One person likes something, and another person doesn't, yet the first person wears it anyways.  Just because a large number of other people- discounting the one in the example- wear similar clothes doesn't mean he/she likes them any less.  Trying to be different just to be different is fun, but often it's a load of crap.\n\nHonestly, it's best if we don't even worry about stereotypes.  I try not to stereotype others, and I don't stereotype myself, because I realize there's more to me than just the way I dress or the way I act, and the same goes for the dumb, blonde cheerleaders, the "individual" punks, the goths and emo kids, and the big, stupid jocks.  You say they aren't being themselves, but do you really know their selves so well that you can make that judgement?\n\nI'm all for individuality, but being an individual doesn't mean changing so you're different than others, and it's not all about appearances.  Nobody can tell anyone else that they aren't "being themselves", because how the hell do they know?
1110484
No....I think people would say that because they're wicked mad jealous of the powers they posses. We're so weak.....no wonder we criticize them, they don't know what it's like to be human! They're very lucky...well, besides the fact that they're not real....^.^'\n\nSincerely,\nSarah.
190906
We want to present our best side to the world and so we put on a mask on our dark side, our limitations and our shortcomings . So at times we are really not we appear to the world.  It is only us who knows the real self.
1075206
Because the only way they know to feel better about themselves is to point out the weaknesses and faults of anyone and everyone else.\n\nAnd it seems that a lot of people think everyone else's life is their business to poke their noses into.\n\nAnd because those people fail to see the good in anything or anyone.
21240
Because They are insecure of who they really are and may not like themselves very much and are afraid others wont accept the real person that that they are.
625081
Well the fundamental problem with humans is they tend to analyse people from time to time. From that guy behind the McDonald Counter to our best pal or buddy. We are constantly watching them, observing their moves, actions and analysing what does it mean anyway. So, we judge people everytime without even knowing them. We judge by how they wear their clothes, what they wear, how they work, how they eat to the most nonsense ones like how they sneeze. With our limited knowledge and understanding of people we start thinking in a direction and gives reason for the actions such as "Maybe he is lazy because, he is fat!", "His clothing is so sloppy, how can his work be good ?". \nSo yes not only me but I think everyone I know of judge people before even trying to understand them (how are they are as humans beings? are our judgements right?). We never really make that effort, maybe thats the reason why there are so many human conflicts. \nBut at the positive side, whenever I have made an effort to understand the other person without prejudice I have always surprised myself, on how wrong I was in my previous judgements.
571346
Thank you!  I agree.  It's because society is full of shallow little people who only care about themselves, and how they are perceived. They are so desperate for a compliment to boost their confidence that they'd even take them from strange wierdos in the internet.
336782
Because it's easier. Because it doesn't require them to come up with their own ideas as to what is 'right' and what is 'wrong'. Because it's easier to make a snap judgement on a person. Because people are strange little creatures. Because when all is said and done most people don't want to put the effort into enriching their lives by understanding how someone else might view the world. Because it's easier to follow rules in a book and then pick and choose those that you like and disregard those that you don't really care for. Because it feels good to judge other people. Because saying that someone is doing something wrong makes the things you're doing wrong in your own life seem smaller.  \n\nThere are so many reasons as to why this happens out there. Mostly I think it happens when closed minded people start trying to 'help' others find 'happiness'. Sure, they want you to be happy..but their methods aren't always right. People like that..should be ignored.
1083056
Interesting you should ask that.There was a study not too long ago that determined that if a person 'had orders' from a person perceived as a higher up, they would inflict a substantial amount of pain on another human being.It's also human nature to want to remove those that are perceived as different.Culling the herd, as it were.Modern technology just enables us to 'cull the herd' more efficiently.I think that one way towards regaining some semblance of sanity is to educate a person as thoroughly as possible, and teach them that what works for 1 person might not work for another, but they are entitled to a basic level of respect by virtue of being a human.
24271
because they're afraid of judgement.  they judge others because they feel judged themselves.  i hate people that don't like me, but i don't try to, it just occurs that way.  we can supress or express our hate, but it's still there.  people hate as often as they love.  the end... i suppose.