I came across this short but extremely concise and articulate theory behind exterminatory prejudice, written in the wake of the terrible Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. The article is written by social psychologist Amy Cuddy. She explains how certain high-status minority groups are seen in “cold” and “competent” terms. They’re looked upon negatively, even enviously, because of their success. This situation isn’t dire in times of societal stability or general success, but when things are chaotic, heated, or undergoing a depression - the “cold” and “competent” feelings turn dire and rageful - they’re seen as causing the issues and taking any chance of success away from others. The academics in Cambodia. Jews in post-WWI crushed Germany. Tutsi’s in Rwanda. The list goes on. What’s both odd and additionally horrible to me is that times in America aren’t brutally difficult. They are indeed more politically charged, more hate-filled, but the economy is on the rise for the most part. So the fact that this horrible attack came during a time of relative prosperity is really terrifying. Speech and social environments can be just as potent as economic downturns in regards to stoking violent hate, it seems.
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