Resentment: The Complexity of an Emotion and its Effect on Politics
Oct 10, 2023
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Rob Schneider, Professor of History at Indiana University-Bloomington, discusses the psychological complexity of resentment and its relationship with identity politics. He explores the impact of resentment on neglected sectors of the population and the making of forgiveness in divided societies. The podcast delves into Friedrich Nietzsche's analysis of resentment, the dynamics of identity politics, and the positive aspects of resentment in demanding acknowledgment and addressing grievances.
Resentment is a complex emotion characterized by a sense of moral injury and violation of expectations, which goes beyond just a reactionary feeling.
Understanding and addressing resentment is crucial for bridging societal divisions and promoting effective political engagement, particularly in the context of populist movements and unmet expectations of equality and justice.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Resentment
Resentment is a complex emotional phenomenon that is distinct from anger and indignation. It involves a mixture of thinking and feeling and goes beyond just a reactionary emotion. Resentment is characterized by a sense of moral injury and violation of expectations, where individuals feel a deep sense of outrage towards harm and injustices. The term "resentment" is often used casually or without deeper understanding, but its complexity invites further examination.
Nietzsche's Analysis of Resentment
Friedrich Nietzsche's analysis of resentment is a significant factor in understanding contemporary discussions on the topic. Nietzsche viewed resentment as a negative emotion associated with slave morality, criticizing its influence on Western Judeo-Christian civilization. However, the negative connotation of resentment as a purely destructive emotion may not entirely capture its complexities and potential productive aspects.
Resentment in Contemporary Politics
Resentment plays a role in contemporary politics, particularly in the context of populist movements and cultural clashes. The book acknowledges two distinct forms of resentment: the feeling of being left behind and threatened, which contributes to the support for populist movements like the MAGA movement; and the broader resentment arising from unmet expectations of equality and justice in the modern world. Understanding and addressing these resentments is essential for bridging societal divisions and promoting effective political engagement.
Resentment as a Force for Change
Resentment can have a productive side, acting as a force for change and addressing grievances. It can serve as a vehicle for demanding recognition, accountability, and justice. Resentment has been used as a tool in truth and reconciliation processes to hold perpetrators accountable and push for acknowledgement of past harm. By harnessing resentment in a constructive manner, it has the potential to facilitate societal transformation and the redressing of moral and social wrongs.
In this episode of International Horizons, RBI director John Torpey interviews Rob Schneider, Professor of History at Indiana University-Bloomington, about the political effects of resentment. Schneider begins by discussing the psychological complexity of resentment and then delves into its understanding by other authors such as Nietzsche and its relationship with Catholicism. Moving forward, Schneider discusses how resentment is related to identity politics and how some sectors of the population have been neglected on the basis of the claim that they are privileged. Finally, he elaborates on the making of forgiveness in divided societies and how it is often imposed on some who are not yet ready to forgive.
International Horizons is a podcast of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies that brings scholarly expertise to bear on our understanding of international issues. John Torpey, the host of the podcast and director of the Ralph Bunche Institute, holds conversations with prominent scholars and figures in state-of-the-art international issues in our weekly episodes.