Recognising our common humanity might not be enough to prevent hatred

The claim dehumanisation lies at the heart of intergroup harm is now being challenged. "Psychological research showing evidence of dehumanisation also faces conceptual challenges. Current models suggest that when people subtly dehumanise outgroups, they deny them uniquely human qualities such as civility, refinement and rationality. This might well be true, but what of more antisocial human qualities? Humans can be civilised, refined and rational but they can also be petty, spiteful and arrogant." Harriet Over, senior lecturer in Psychology at York University, contemplates in Psyche magazine.