We’ve all done this. We make broad brush stroke comments about others. Groups of people are categorized by age, gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs, geographical location, political affiliation, and this list could go on ad nauseam. We can make an “other” or “they” group out of anything that would distinguish ourselves from another human being. We might more commonly refer to this as pigeonholing, but because of the usual negative connotations with this activity, it is also referred to as demonizing or vilifying. “Those people always do _______!” “They don’t have a clue!” “We are better than them!” These and other similar comments or thought processes are poison to any group and are not beneficial to anyone.
There are several inherent dangers in this practice. First, we overgeneralize the other group as though they are one homogenous clan not allowing for individual thought or variants in that group. Second, most often these comments are not studied observations but personal assumptions not based on fact. We often find ourselves being absolutely incorrect. Lastly, if left unchecked, false narratives, lies, rumors, dissention and divisiveness are sown. These assumptions get repeated and spread throughout social groups, towns, cities, states and the country. No group is safe from this practice.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to combat the negative influence of vilification. First, we need to recognize that we’ve been wrong or have done wrong to someone in the past. In the context of being subject and obedient to ruling authorities, Paul told Titus to remind the Christians to “malign [lit. vilify] no one (this included governing authorities), to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were…” (Tit. 3:2-3a). This should help to put perspective in our thinking.
Second, we need to say and repeat the things that are true and helpful. In the interaction between Jesus and the woman at the well, she said, “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship” (John 4:20). Did you catch that? It was an us versus you all statement. He does correct her statement, and He teaches her another truth. “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). What she went on to share was not someone’s assumptions of who she was or what she needed to do but the truth of the matter.
Lastly, the responsibility to love our neighbor should keep us from vilifying them (Matt. 23:29; Rom. 13:8-10; 15:1-3). If we can move away from this divisive speech and thinking, we can be a part of the healing so many need, not continued hate.