How Society Dehumanizes

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Loss of human characteristics; brutalization by either mental or physical means; stripping one of self-esteem.” —(Online Medical Dictionary) Dehumanization is: Taking away the rights of some that most have This is to offer rights to most citizens, but to deny those same rights to other citizens. This is to create a hierarchy of humanity, where some are considered “human” or “normal” while others are considered “sub-normal.” Denying human dignity in life or death This is to cause one to be in a place of humiliation or continual shame, either physically or mentally. Denying one’s ability to care for oneself If one is denied food, shelter, clothing, safety, or health when these are readily available, then that one is rejected as being less than a human who has all of these basic needs. Being controlled by other’s decisions If one is not given the ability to be an independent unit, able to participate in one’s own care and make decisions which leads to ones own ability to provide for one’s needs, then they are denied their own self-will, which is basic to all humans. Convincing another that they are sub-human The process of dehumanization is complete when one personally admits that they are less than “normal” and unworthy to live with others. Some practical aspects of dehumanization: Limiting one’s ability to sleep Sleep is necessary for survival. To deprive one of sleep on an ongoing basis is to deny one’s ability to function in a mentally healthy way. Denying the right to go to the bathroom with dignity Eliminating waste is a basic necessity for life. As a part of human society, it is also something to be done in private. For this reason there are laws for urinating or defecating in public. But should one be denied the basic privacy to go to the bathroom, then that one is dehumanized. Denying food to another To deny one the ability to obtain food is
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