The Power of Hate in Shaping Modern Identity

At a recent gathering, I found myself briefly praising Elon Musk, possibly referencing Starlink, after reading a recent biography on him. My companion, a fellow academic, reacted with visible disapproval. It seems that among many socially conscious circles, Musk is a figure of disdain rather than admiration.

This antipathy toward Musk reflects a broader cultural trend: a widespread and intense hatred permeates our society. Liberals and conservatives exchange mutual animosity, while disdain is aimed at politicians, elites, social media, the wealthy, immigrants, and various cultural or political movements. Even institutions and corporations face significant public resentment.

While affection still exists for certain celebrities and public figures, hate overwhelmingly dominates the public emotional landscape. This raises a compelling question: why has hate become such a central aspect of identity in contemporary society?

Historically, the philosopher René Descartes famously asserted, 'I think, therefore I am,' emphasizing thought as the foundation of existence. Today, it seems plausible that 'I hate, therefore I am' might better capture how many define themselves. Hate appears to play a critical role in constructing personal and group identity at this moment in time.

Traditional foundations of stable identity—trust in institutions, community belonging, shared values—have eroded considerably. Skepticism toward institutions runs deep, often fueled by real grievances such as abuses within religious organizations, controversial government policies, and doubts about political leadership.