Final answer:
Turning categories of humans into 'others' and dehumanizing them refers to the social process of marginalizing groups and portraying them as subhuman, which justifies mistreatment and can lead to violence, such as genocide. Combatting this requires challenging harmful categories, legal protections against hate speech, and promoting respect for individuality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of turning categories of humans into 'others' and dehumanizing them is a social and historical phenomenon wherein groups of people are marginalized and portrayed as less than human. This behavior has been seen throughout history, for example, during the US's slavery period where African Americans were seen as subhuman and, as seen in the Soviet Union, where enemy classes were depicted as monsters in propaganda. This behavior creates divisions and justifies mistreatment and abuse.
Dehumanization's impact is profound as it can lead to extreme acts of violence, including genocide. When people are stripped of their humanity and equated with animals or diseases, it becomes easier for others to justify their oppression, discrimination, or extermination. For instance, the Nazi regime's depiction of Jews as vermin during the Holocaust is a stark example of dehumanization leading to atrocities.
Combatting dehumanization involves recognizing and challenging these harmful categories and the language that supports them, ensuring legal protections against hate speech, and promoting a culture of respect for all individuals beyond the categories that can divide us.