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What are examples from literature (books, movies, shows) or history of a person/people being dehumanized that has really impacted you? How did this dehumanization make you feel?

User BennoDual
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Final answer:

Literary examples of dehumanization include Winston Smith in 1984 and Celie in The Color Purple, while in history the treatment of enslaved people during the transatlantic slave trade serves as an example.

Step-by-step explanation:

One example from literature that depicts dehumanization is the character of Winston Smith in George Orwell's novel 1984. He is subjected to constant surveillance, torture, and psychological manipulation by the totalitarian regime, which strips away his individuality and reduces him to a powerless state. This dehumanization is portrayed through the brutal treatment he endures and the loss of his personal identity, which evokes feelings of pity and outrage.

Another example is the character of Celie in Alice Walker's novel The Color Purple. Celie experiences various forms of dehumanization, including physical and sexual abuse, as well as emotional neglect. The patriarchal society in which she lives denies her agency and treats her as less than human. This depiction of dehumanization elicits empathy and anger towards the injustice she faces.

In history, a notable example of dehumanization is the treatment of enslaved people during the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved individuals were forcibly taken from their homes, branded as property, and subjected to brutal living conditions and inhumane treatment. This dehumanization aimed to justify their exploitation and maintain the institution of slavery. Reflecting on this history evokes a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and a commitment to fighting against ongoing systems of oppression.

User Adam Flynn
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