First You Define Others as “Them.”

[The Lone Liberal]

Monstrous acts have their nexus in the differentiation of “us” and “them.” It is easy to visit violence upon another when they have been defined as less than human. Words like “thugs” and “terrorist” assist in bringing about the environment in which torture will be accepted. Think for a moment of how much outrage there would be had the Iraqi detainees have been labeled “freedom fighters.”

Words Do Matter!

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. Sexual humiliation of Muslin men in front of male guards....

...is inflammatory enough. It is far, far worse in front of women guards. Actions matter as well. This was done deliberately.

[mopaul]

2. then you convince folks that they attacked us on 9-11

so it becomes infinitely easier to torture them. they did 9-11 the bastards, they'll all pay for it. sick sick revenge on innocents.
we are the neo nazis

[daa]

3. "Them" is wingnut

code for "Muslim".

[Jose Diablo]

4. Dehumanizing the "enemy"

is an essential step in conditioning a moral individual to kill. Turning the opponent into an object not worthy of moral treatment is how all wars are fought.

War is obscene.