[Ian Scott (OP)]

Just a question - I see how some members exercise this inadequacy  but overall most people are good.

Why does hate emerge? Why do we act out on hate?

This doesn't seem to be evolutionary.

[JnA]

It may be evolutionary, but not everything has to be.. some things are just there because they didn't cause an issue, so they just go along for the ride.

People can hate because they feel inadequate or rejected or ripped off.
it is a strong emotion and strong emotions tend to need release.. we laugh out loud when something tickles us just right, we cry when we are sad, we lash out when we are angry. Some people have better control over these bursts of energy, why? who knows, maybe it nature maybe it's nurture.

[Ian Scott (OP)]

JnA

cool reply!

[blakestyger]

The Greeks in fifth-century Athens thought of everybody else as 'other', not to be included perhaps even exploited.
Rejection of 'others' may help to strengthen group bonds and keep out hose who threaten the status quo.
In pure evolutionary terms it is harder to comprehend, as recruitment from outside the group helps to enlarge the gene pool - though, on the downside, incomers may bring disease that the group may not be immune to.
This is a fascinating problem, one I've long wondered about (especially regarding racism) as there seem to be so many inconsistencies. I think it's a social science problem but, having said that, social science must be rooted in biology, surely.
As usual, more questions than answers!
Perhaps there are TNS members who know about this.

[Ian Scott (OP)]

blakestyger you rock!Never be reticent in your posts.

[lyner]

Is the original question a general one or does it refer to some personal experience?

[AllenG]

It's fun.
It releases endorphins that make one feel powerful and strong.
Simple as that.

[Madidus_Scientia]

Just a question - I see how some members exercise this inadequacy  but overall most people are good.

Why does hate emerge? Why do we act out on hate?

blakestyger you rock!Never be reticent in your posts.

Hypocritical much? And no I am not exercising hate by pointing that out, i'm just pointing it out.