Extreme ideologies arise from normal processes, not inherent malice

Evidence

This model views scapegoating, even in its most extreme and unwarranted versions, as stemming from ordinarily adaptive cognitive tendencies and motives, rather than inherently irrational, maladaptive processes. It downplays Freudian defense mechanisms, emphasizing instead the role of culturally shared beliefs, stereotypes, and ideologies. Finally, it focuses on scapegoating as a collective process by which commitment to hateful ideologies becomes widely shared within a community, creating a consensus that spawns political movements (e.g., Nazism) and coordinated hostile actions (e.g., discriminatory laws, organized mass killings, etc.). — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1588 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Fanatical ideological evil stems from normal psychology under extreme circumstances; Ideologies act on people structurally through a process that escapes them; Fanatical destruction arises from normal psychology under extreme circumstances, not inherent malice (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Fanatical destruction arises from normal psychology under extreme circumstances, not inherent malice #corroborates (0.93)
• Extreme scapegoating arises from ordinary adaptive cognition and shared ideology, not pathology. #corroborates (0.92) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1588