(no subject)

[peratic]

What makes someone a monster?

Specifically, what traits or acts would cause you to consider someone a monster? I'm not interested in speculative tragic background stories.

Comments

[peratic]

I'm not a professional anthropologist, but I have never come across a society which does not view that which preys upon it as monstrous.

Let's say demons — at least in the Christian tradition, this is the case, although they've hardly patented the concept — are categorically incapable of kindness. Actual kindness, not out of a desire to manipulate a given victim. Can meta-ethical moral relativism apply to something which is supernaturally compelled to victimize another population?

I don't disagree with you, for the record, but I don't have a personal horse in this particular race. [ well. not in the sense that she's keen to create her own hard and fast definition of 'monster.' ]

[extirpations]

Yet there are many societies who would prey upon others and see it as justified. So it's still an arbitrary definition.

I would generally say that the answer to your question will depend on who you ask. If an individual has been victimised by a being so compelled they're unlikely to consider the fact it may be unable to not act in a given manner. Whereas someone who hasn't been in that position may be more sympathetic. But that doesn't really advance our discussion any. To really answer it we should ask if a creature is capable of overcoming the directives of its nature. If it is, then it surely can be held accountable for its actions. If it can't then it's as guiltless as any natural disaster.

You not asking because you're curious how many here might classify you or someone you know as a monster? [In general it seems most people only start asking such questions when they have a personal investment in the answer. But he's quick to wave the issue aside with a chuckle.] Forgive me, that was rude. I meant nothing by it and certainly enjoy the chance for such discussions myself.

[peratic]

All societies steal from one another, prey upon one another. It could be that everybody is a monster, which would mean no one is.

An entity without free will can't be blamed for its actions. A demon supposedly has that, but then I don't really know; I haven't been able to interview any just yet.

No, it's fine, really. It's a weird question for me to have asked. I think it's moderately interesting, but there are people in this world who say someone is a monster for not eating vegan food, you know? [ Gisela is a slight control freak who would never put something personal up for strangers to debate, pretty much. ]

What really spurred it was my thinking about how certain supernatural creatures are considered 'monsters', but humans also do most of the things they do. Murder, cannibalism, you name it. Mankind's way of shunting its more undesirable qualities of onto someone else instead of taking responsibility.

[extirpations]

Ah, those kinds of monsters. As you said, designed solely so we can blame others for actions we find detestable and thus distance ourselves from out own actions.

What then of those who might profess to being monsters themselves? Would you judge them to truly be such or simply more honest than the rest of the populace?

[peratic]

There could be a lot of motivations there. One can claim monstrousness out of immense guilt and self-hate, or as a way of separating oneself from humanity. You know: "I'm not like the herd, I'm a predator. A hunter."

I don't know how I'd judge them. I'd probably find it another abdication of responsibility again.

[extirpations]

Perhaps there lies an answer. The refusal to take responsibility for one's own actions. If not outright monstrous I would say it's certainly an abhorrent trait.