Treating others fairly requires real effort. Those who are mentally lazy often rely on shortcuts that lead to dangerously false conclusions. Hate and corruption often follow similar paths and intertwine, exploiting others through inappropriate uses of power. Much of our thinking and behavior is unconscious. If we’ve been conditioned to hate or have normalized abusive behavior, we often repeat those patterns without reflection. This creates a kind of “better-than-thou” mindset—reinforced through official roles—that serves to preserve misperceptions.
When such behaviors are embedded within groups—especially those in positions of authority—where intent and influence converge, the potential for harm becomes significant. In our learning example, we explored a deeply embedded clan where some individuals had engaged in longstanding misconduct. Collusion to harm and enrich themselves seemed apparent, given the number of actors involved and the rumors circulated to justify group oriented aggression.
Despite numerous concerns raised by victims and citizens, the system—seemingly designed to appease the clan—responded not with accountability, but with a “wink and nod,” shielding and even rewarding the perpetrators. This allowed the capacity for future harm to remain intact and arguably increased the likelihood of continued abuse. That’s a serious concern if we expect our systems to serve society as a whole and avoid descending into the dysfunction seen in many failed or corrupt conceptual orders.
In closed, clan-based systems, accountability is often the first casualty. Corruption thrives when hate and self-enrichment take precedence, eroding the rule of law and ethical norms. The unconscious motivations driving such groups are often rooted in their identity, political or religious ideologies, and a perceived entitlement to dominate local institutions.
The article below offers insight into how hate can become neurologically embedded, tied to survival instincts. However, when misperceptions evolve into deliberate targeting of others—especially through organized means—justifications are few. That’s why they are often fabricated as part of the dehumanization process. In our example, the so-called clan elites who perpetuated this hate frequently manipulate the insecurities of others, using tactics like scapegoating and “flying monkeys.”
Institutions have a responsibility to confront open corruption and hate. To preserve public trust and fulfill their intended mission—rather than serving a narrow set of interests—they must continuously evolve and improve. This responsibility falls especially on those in positions of authority. There is a modern kind of honor in doing the right thing. Some matters are more important than appearances or loyalty to friends, cronies, or clan-based social networks. Let us be thankfull for those who continue to support our Constitution, human/civil rights, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and fulfill their oaths because without them we may see an an alternative that would have turned our forefathers/mothers in their graves. A sacred rite from generation to generation. No matter how much harm comes to them they continue to believe and support liberty and justice for all.
Read more: How Our Brains Learn to Hate – Chief Learning Officer
Note: This is a hypothetical, philosophical, and theoretical thought experiment designed to help us explore how hate and corruption form, function, and affect systems. It is offered for learning purposes and will conclude with a constructive outcome. Take with a grain of salt and don't be so quick to judge (see above).
