Why we should get rid of race | David Livingstone Smith | FULL INTERVIEW

David Livinstone Smith discusses his work on dehumanisation, monsters and race.

Can we get rid of racism without getting rid of race?

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In this exclusive interview, philosopher David Livingstone Smith explores the history, nature, and evolution of dehumanisation. As what is 'acceptable' in society changes, so do the tactics of undercover dehumanisation. How can we identify these, and how might we progress? Smith's solutions vary from holding up the mirror to reveal there are no 'monsters', to his more radical suggestion: getting rid of dehumanisation's prelude, racialisation. Smith presents us with a candid but unique outlook on this topic, touching on everything from deferring to the expert and symbols of hate, to having hope without optimism. Interviewed by Alyssa Erspamer.

#race #racialidentity #moralphilosophy #psychologyofhumanbehavior

David Livingstone Smith is a philosopher and author, most recently of Making Monsters: The Uncanny Power of Dehumanization. His research interests include self-deception, dehumanization, human nature, ideology, race and moral psychology. His book Less Than Human: Why We Demean, Enslave, and Exterminate Others, won the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.

00:00 Introduction
00:23 What led you to focus your career on dehumanisation?
03:00 What is your definition of dehumanisation?
03:49 What features are particular to dehumanisation?
04:59 Do you think dehumanisation is intrinsic to the human psyche?
06:36 Is dehumanisation a means to an end?
09:43 How should we intervene against dehumanisation?
14:08 Do you agree with Levinas on the power
of face-to-face human connection?
16:43 Why should we abolish race as a category when
people are still living through its implications?
18:46 Why are people so attached to the concept of race?
20:42 What does ‘explicit and critical education about race’ look like?
21:44 What gives you hope in humanity?
24:09 What are you and Subrena working on now?
26:05 Is the issue of race specific to the United States?
28:05 How is racism similar to dehumanisation?
28:46 Have people been receptive to your efforts to educate?


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