It a funny thing how solidarity is built in instances of shared group trauma such as a. disasters and catastrophes (the recent earthquake in Beijing and cyclone in Burma) and b. the identification of a common enemy (e.g. 9/11 attacks).
What happens to human psychology that suddenly you can bind and offer help to those you once called your enemy (case a), or become so defensive so as to create an enemy (case b)?
3 comments:
I think the behavior depends in large part to "mob mentality" or group influence. I think individuals are less likely to go towards one extreme without having their feelings validated by another person. In case a, I might argue that people consider themselves more empathetic towards someone in need, and that as more people contribute their time and money towards helping others, eventually guilt and shame set in to those who hold out. But I guess the same is true for case b; if one person doesn't want to jump on the band wagon and demonize and dehumanize a another person/peoples/country, then they can also be shamed into thinking they are a traitor/unpatriotic.
I think it all comes down to an inherent human trait that we all want to be recognized, seek approval, and want to belong.
I think when facing the nature disaster people like to show their sympathy...same goes to countries.(doesn't matter it's for real or not)
No one wants to be called clod blood.
That's it.
Love~~
>Mayumi-chan
I think you are right on about the innate desire for recognition, approval, and a sense of belonging to a particular "community", or "association". The human person as an acting being is quite amazing in terms of what kind of affects s/he can produce. But at the same time, it can also be rather frightening.
>Cody dear
So.... are you saying that acts of kindness are only done so as to feel better about ourselves? In other words, I donate money to a good cause, because not only because it may help someone in dire need, but even more so because it makes me feel good, and it also makes me look benevolent. Sounds like Freud.
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