Why Are People So Cruel To Each Other?

Answer 1

Some people are cruel because ...

It keeps other people at a distance. Their cruelty is a "shield."

It's their way of putting others down so they can look good.

They disrespect the other person because of race, gender, religion, personality, or other reason, and cruelty is how they express their disrespect.

They grew up with others who think that cruel is cool.

They have disregarded their conscience, so they do cruel things without restraining themselves.

They may have been hurt themselves, so this is their way of getting back at others.

This question was posed in the Religion section of this site, so I can also say that even religious people can be cruel to others. The Bible says that we are all sinners, and cruelty is one of the ways we sin. But Jesus came to transform us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

One example is found where John asked Jesus if he should call down fire upon a city which refused them. They would have been cruel and Jesus did not allow it. Later, God used John to write several epistles of love. John was transformed from a "son of thunder" (quick-tempered) to an "apostle of love." That's one of the reasons why today's disciples and evangelists of Jesus want to preach the Gospel -- because God changes the heart.

Answer 2

I think it's all about control.

Cruelty and inhumane treatment can whittle away at someone's psyche to the point where they become nothing but human flotsam. Demeans them, depletes their self esteem and self worth. From a behavioral standpoint, iIt makes people maleable. You know, "controllable".

Then you have the psychology of the person who's cruel and mean. He or she is exacting her control. That's to fill voids in his or her life.

Also, don't forget how profitable hatred can be. It's a cottage industry. If the fundamentalist Islamic nutcases ever allowed for peace in their region, they--as leaders--would be rendered powerless.

If we eradicated prejudice and racism here in the U.S. what would Reverends Jackson and Sharpton do? They make a living off of the racist teet of this country. Solve that problem, they're out of work....and money.

Cruelty is a drastic way of exerting total control. Hatred is a way to make sure cruelty thrives.

Answer 3

Well, it's human nature to be spiteful at times. It's such a rat race out there that many are only concerned with their own well-being and will do anything to get ahead. Look at the business world. In reference to physical cruelty, well that's just a deep, serious problem that stems from prior experiences such as abuse and neglect. I think most people are pretty good, it's just a few bad eggs out there that make you wonder what we are all capable of.

Answer 4

Because the majority of people only care about themselves. Humans are selfish animals. It is just because we are in an advanced society that we look to help others and through that we can feel good about ourselves. If we were left to live in our "natural" state we'd be selfish and worry only about our own survival and not our Brothers or Sisters.

Answer 5

Does that apply to you? Are you cruel to someone and someone is cruel to you? If not, then not all people are.

Answer 6

People are cruel to other people proportionately to their own fear level, so the more fear they have the crueler they are.

Answer 7

I think a lot of it is jealousy, and feeling inferior. But some of it's just ignorance.

Answer 8

Sin abounds when forgiveness is neglected. On which side do you stand?

Answer 9

ignorance, not knowing to control oneself (and the lack of understanding to know the need to respect others as yourself)

Answer 10

Gee I wouldn't think that drifting away from GOD has anything to do with it.