MyEthics.net Newsletter 1-11, 10/16/25
Is Ubiquitous Criticism Really Necessary?
People get treated as objects a lot:
- In the gig economy, replaceable workers become numbers in a database.
- Performances and criticism dominate most social media.
- Algorithms and AIs can’t treat people as anything but objects.
And once people have been properly objectified — as history shows — they appear subhuman, deserving derision, shame or worse.
It’s easy, even natural, to be critical of self and others, especially when tired, scared, or confused. I acknowledge plenty of rants against “crazy” drivers and “stupid” politicians.
On a social scale, objectification then legitimizes vilification — an often-used moral justification for violence. But the narrative that “we are human and they are not” is always false: we are all human.
Instead
View everyone as conscious with rich inner lives. In that context, most people are simply trying their best to navigate with dignity a complex and often frightening world bearing limited information, skills, and resources.
How to Recognize the Humanity in Others
- Acknowledge Inherent Dignity: Look for intrinsic worth, regardless of background, beliefs, or actions.
- Embrace Shared Humanity: Focus on the fundamental values that all humans share.
- Challenge Personal Assumptions: identify blinders to seeing others as individual beings.
- Prioritize Authentic Listening: Understand and navigate your own emotions while actively listening.
Human-Centered Conflict Resolution
In disagreement, start with commonality and an open posture, establish mutual values and goals, and then get to work:
- View each person as a conscious and evolving being with complex thoughts and feelings.
- Establish shared values and objectives.
- Avoid judgments about character, motivation, ideology, or belief.
- Raise concerns and seek mutual understanding – Marsha Linehan’s “DEAR MAN” technique is highly effective.
- Respectfully disagree when necessary.
Some Things to Try:
- While driving, imagine that “bad” drivers are good people doing their best — it’s surprisingly hard to do!
- Flag moments when you see individuals as objects — the person ahead of you in the supermarket line, for example. Notice how it dehumanizes them in your mind. If you can catch their eye and smile, notice the difference in how you feel toward them.
It’s harder to objectify individuals once you’ve seen their humanity.