Posted by rosmarin on January 21, 2004, at 14:56:49
In reply to site's shadow, posted by Dr. Bob on January 21, 2004, at 2:05:49
I don't think of cruelty as a feeling, but it's my understanding that unacknowledged behaviours as well as feelings and character traits are all part of Jung's shadow.I do think it is possible to be civil and cruel at the same time - I'm thinking for example of schoolgirls who commit suicide because of skillful bullying by peers which is nevertheless polite.
Who knows why we humans are cruel - maybe we are projecting pain to avoid feeling it, are being predatory, fear difference or wish to punish others for failing to conform to a group norm?
To the extent that such things as envy, or rage, or shame, or unacknowledged desires to control or hurt others might be part of the shadow of this site, the site is only a reflection of lots of other civilised institutions!
Maybe these things can never be stopped, but awareness and trying to bring them out of the shadow might do some good.
poster:rosmarin
thread:303568
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040112/msgs/303807.html