In the aftermath of the election, federal Conservatives seemingly intend to keep half of Canada angry. They believe this is the only way to uphold principles inspired by Trump’s America: Maintain [your] disgust ... which apparently still sounds like a good idea to many on their side of the political divide.
Anger seems to encourage the use of cognitive shortcuts. Adding disgust to the mix is even more destructive. Disgust appears to have the unique capacity to foster the social-cognitive dehumanization of out-group members, and it is far easier to engage in violence when targets are dehumanized. History provides plenty of examples. To quote legal scholar Geoffrey R. Stone, “We are capable of great ugliness and hatred. Let us not kid ourselves.”
In examining speeches given by the leader of the official opposition, his lieutenants, and spokespersons representing political groups like the Alberta Prosperity Project, we discover that when they invoke anger plus contempt and disgust, their followers are more likely to devalue members of the out-group and potentially respond with violence. This rejection of inclusive ideals is a particularly dangerous and even deadly combination.
Beware of righteous anger, contempt, and disgust. It is a combination that risks turning us into the very thing we loathe – the most dangerous of beasts.
William Perry
Victoria
