"Several years ago, I wrote a blog about the complex economic, cultural, and social factors that usually come together to create a perfect storm, with hate crimes as an emerging consequence. I focused on the unintended effects of rapid technological development over the past 50 years, which boosted economic productivity but also led to job losses and reduced demand for labor."
"With unemployment comes not only economic instability but also deep frustration and a loss of personal dignity for millions who feel powerless and a sense of having been culturally discarded. In such a social context, political leaders often exploit voter frustration and helplessness by offering simple solutions to complex economic and cultural changes. A common tactic is to blame socially marginalized groups, such as immigrants or minorities, for social and economic problems arising from the unintended consequences of fundamental societal change."
Socioeconomic and cultural changes, including technological-driven job losses, generate unemployment, economic instability, and loss of dignity for many. Political actors may exploit that frustration by offering simple solutions and blaming marginalized groups like immigrants or minorities for complex problems. The combination of unemployment, loss of dignity, and exploitative leadership raises risk of social unrest and partisan polarization. A small minority of individuals internalize grievances, target categorized groups as sources of societal ills, and commit hate crimes. Most perpetrators are not mentally ill. Inflammatory rhetoric can accelerate violence among vulnerable, aggrieved individuals.
Read at Psychology Today
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