By Phalapoem editor, 5/12/2024
A psychopathic society is one where empathy is systematically eroded, moral accountability is discarded, and violence and domination are celebrated as virtues. In such societies, the traits of psychopathy—lack of remorse, dehumanization of others, and ruthless pursuit of self-interest—are not just tolerated but institutionalized. When we reflect on the current state of global politics, few examples illustrate this phenomenon more clearly than the ongoing actions of the Israeli state.
Psychopathic societies thrive on collective delusion. They construct narratives that justify systemic oppression and normalize violence. In Israel, the dehumanization of Palestinians has been deeply ingrained, perpetuated by political rhetoric, media propaganda, and societal conditioning. From labeling entire communities as “terrorists” to reducing human lives in Gaza to mere collateral damage, the language of supremacy and disregard for human suffering has become a societal norm.
A defining characteristic of a psychopathic society is the ability to commit atrocities while simultaneously viewing oneself as the victim. In Israel, the narrative of self-defense is invoked to justify the indiscriminate killing of civilians, the bombing of homes, and the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza. This twisted justification is amplified by the media, where the victims are often portrayed as aggressors, and those committing the violence are cast as heroes or reluctant participants forced into action.
Psychopathic societies also reward and glorify violence. In Israel, far-right politicians openly call for genocidal policies, such as erasing Gaza or ethnically cleansing Palestinians, and are met with applause rather than condemnation. Soldiers who carry out brutal acts are celebrated, while those who speak out against the occupation are vilified. This normalization of cruelty is not just a feature of governance but is deeply embedded in the societal psyche.
What makes this even more alarming is the complicity of the global community. Psychopathic societies often rely on the silence, support, or indifference of others to sustain their actions. The Israeli state enjoys unwavering support from powerful allies, even as its policies towards Palestinians grow more extreme. This international backing reinforces the impunity with which it operates, further entrenching its psychopathic tendencies.
To call out psychopathic societies is not an act of hate; it is a call to restore humanity. It is a demand to recognize and reject systems that dehumanize, oppress, and destroy. Israel’s actions towards Palestinians are not just a political issue; they are a moral crisis that challenges the conscience of the world.
If we fail to confront and dismantle psychopathic societies, we risk normalizing their traits on a global scale. The question is not just about what is happening in Israel and Palestine but about what kind of world we are willing to accept. Silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality—it is complicity. The first step in countering a psychopathic society is to name it, expose its mechanisms, and demand accountability, no matter how powerful the perpetrators may be.
The time to act is now—before the world becomes a mirror of the very psychopathy we claim to abhor.
