Violence Is Learned, But It Is Also Possible To Unlearn

Since the beginning of the study of violent phenomena in the human sciences, in the mid-twentieth century, there is a question that has haunted all investigations about it: ‘ is human violence something instinctual or learned? In this regard, many hypotheses have arisen. However, one thing is clear: all cultures, at all times, have shown aggressive behavior.

Concern around this issue has been increasing for some decades. The world wars demonstrated that the ability of human beings to harm each other was limitless. These and many other facts have led us to see ourselves even in fear of ourselves.

Perhaps due to these historical events, the concept of aggressiveness has taken on an entirely negative connotation. It wasn’t always like this. In fact, without the ability to attack or respond to aggression we would not have been able to survive as a species. However, human beings have taken violence too far, and that is what causes concern.

Aggression and violence, two different concepts

Sometimes we think that aggressiveness and violence are two equal realities, but that’s not quite the case. Aggression is part of our instinctual capacity. We were born with it and have its imprint physiologically. It involves a series of physical and chemical processes that arise automatically, without our being aware of it.

Aggression is biological. It serves to get us into a state of alert in case of danger. Also to defend ourselves, if necessary and to adapt to the environment. It is normal and healthy, for example, to react aggressively if someone tries to push us to fall. Our survival instinct makes us respond to this threat with aggressive gestures or actions.

Violence, however, is cultural. It corresponds to all behavior intended to harm others, for reasons other than the objective preservation of our integrity. Only the human species has violent behavior, no other animal has this type of behavior.

Violence, therefore, is learned. Aggression is instinctive, but violence is symbolic. This means that we come into the world with innate tools to respond aggressively when it comes to preserving life and integrity. But the desire and the tendency to harm others, for different reasons, introduces itself, is taught. The good news is that it is also possible to unlearn.

Learn and unlearn violence

Almost all violent people justify their behavior with some false reason. Most argue that they hurt others to defend themselves, or to teach or introduce something positive. It is also common to blame the victim for inciting such violence against him. And it is not uncommon to resort to superior principles, whether religious or political.

Behind these fallacies are complex ideological constructions as well as frauds. Violence is first symbolic (cultural) and then physical. For example, to enslave blacks around the world, it was first argued that they had no soul. A whole catalog of their inferior and vicious behaviors has been drawn up. In this way, physical violence against them was already justified. The same happened with women, the indigenous people, and now it’s happening with the animals.

It is assumed that violence “in self-defence” can be admitted. However, there are many cases in history where this defense is based on a non-existent threat. In several sacred books it is said that woman is the downfall of men. Furthermore, in many holy wars each side pits its God against the other, and removing him from the face of the earth is a laudable mission. In different everyday situations, the other is symbolically disqualified in order to establish the bases that allow him to be violated with total “conviction”.

It is possible to silence the weapons or stop the blows, but if the other is not seen as a worthy peer, violence will return. It may take a non-physical form, such as scathing criticism, mockery, or indifference, but it is still violence. There is no need to fear aggressive feelings because they are part of our vital defense. But yes, we must repudiate the violent impulses that, as we all know, only generate injustice and more violence.