Publisher's Synopsis
Jeannette Fischer examines what it is that leads to hate and to hateful actions. Hatred against others begins as self-hatred. This in turn has its cause in feelings of guilt that were already triggered in us in childhood. To illustrate this, the author uses examples like the horrific rampage of Anders Breivik in 2011 and the decision of a young Canadian to join the IS. The victim/perpetrator and guilt/innocence narrative is a dominant pattern in our actions and discourses; we are held prisoners by it. And it shows up not only at the personal level, but also in social and political interactions. We cannot eliminate hate by condemning it, abhorring it, even hating it. Change is brought about only by leaving the vicious circle and making clear what leads to its creation.
