Critical hate studies: A new perspective

Abstract

This paper sets out a critical perspective that cohesively explains why hate happens in late modernity and its impact on the lived experience of victims. The paper challenges existing theoretical accounts of hate by presenting a psycho-social approach to subjectivity that acknowledges the impact of neoliberal capitalism on the lived experience. By doing so, the paper is able to account for the extremities of hate in society and its apparent normalcy. In conclusion, the paper argues that an interrogation of the extent of the harms of hate should be framed within a positive discourse wherein the human need to flourish, rather than survive, is recognised.

Hate in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic: dehumanisation as a side effect; re-humanisation as a remedy

“…It has been argued that hate behaviours serve to reinforce structural boundaries in society that sustain privilege according to race, gender and sexuality because human subjectivity is informed by hegemonic norms (James & McBride, 2018;James, 2020: 2, 6;Perry, 2001Perry, , 2006Messerschmidt's, 1997). Therefore, the pursuit of anti-racist futures must involve the 'identification and obliteration of deeply embedded epistemic hegemonies, which have been created through the twin processes of capital expansion and colonisation' (Dawson, 2020: 75).…”

Introducing Landscapes of Hate

“…Many of the authors in this collection demonstrate the complexities and perhaps impossibilities of isolating out hate and hostility from other aspects, experiences and emotions of everyday life that are in various ways exclusionary, yet are also the basis for solidarity and progress (see Bowler and Razak, Chapter 11). Fear, hostility, and violence speak not only to an acceptance of the complexities of social harm, and the continuum of experiences of violence, but also the co-existence with other affective states and experiences, including 'love' (James and McBride, 2022); and, for example, the fun and excitement of being at university, despite 'atmospheres' that convey a contingent sense of danger (Durey et al, Chapter 5).…”

Hateful Subjectivities: Using Intersectionality to Inform a Critical Hate Studies Perspective

“…Imperialist colonialism and the bludgeoning 'success' of Empire has indelibly shaped social relations (see for example, Bowling and Phillips, 2012), enabling and sustaining increasing disparities between the 'haves' and the 'have nots'. The critical hate studies perspective (James and McBride, 2018) acknowledges how historic inequalities according to structures including class, gender and race continue to inform who gains access to power and privilege today. Critical hate studies builds upon this existing knowledge base to consider how and why hate happens in contemporary society.…”