Cool to Be Cruel?

American Psychologist Abraham Maslow never attributed the need to be cruel on any hierarchical diagram, yet we are immersed in a culture of cruelty that accepts such a practice as necessary. “Cruel to Be Kind” echoed on radio stations decades ago, and it would appear as if the theory disclosed in the lyrics has become the norm.

It’s evident from interactions in our daily lives, that many of our exchanges include a dose or more of intentional cruelty. Some people call it “tough love.” Others justify it with self-righteousness. Although, identity politics has catapulted our culture into this routine with vigorous force. Far too often, we actively choose to resort to low-level interactions that drain us more than they energize us. Somehow, cruelty has become the new method of charging our conversations.