Hate Studies and the Hatred of Animals: What We Are Missing

Abstract

This article provocatively argues that the foundation of all human hatred lies in the hatred of animals. The domestication of animals necessitated a reevaluation of humanity's perception of animals, leading to extreme species bias. Institutions that study hate fail to interrogate the origins of dehumanization and, as a result, miss a critical opportunity to confront the roots of hatred. They overlook the central role animals play in hate speech and hate crimes—a serious problem that hinders a deeper understanding of how hate operates. This article advocates for a radical reorientation in hate studies toward understanding the animal origins of human hatred.