US homeland chief's rhetoric reflects systemic dehumanization of marginalized groups
Original framing: “US homeland chief Noem stands by remarks accusing slain US citizens of terrorism - Reuters” — Reuters (via Google News)
Dehumanizing rhetoric has been a tool of authoritarian and colonial regimes throughout history, from the scapegoating of Jews in Nazi Germany to the vilification of Black Americans during the Jim Crow era. Noem's comments align with this dangerous tradition of using language to delegitimize marginalized groups.
Noem's rhetoric is not an isolated incident but part of a broader systemic pattern of dehumanization that has roots in colonial and authoritarian histories.
This language is used to justify exclusionary policies and legitimize state violence, often at the expense of Black, Indigenous, and immigrant communities. Cross-culturally, such rhetoric is more visibly condemned in societies with strong norms of equality and human rights. Scientific research confirms that dehumanizing language increases prejudice and policy marginalization. To counter this, we must implement training for public officials, establish independent oversight, amplify marginalized voices, and integrate historical and cultural education. These steps can help build a more just and inclusive society by addressing the root causes of divisive rhetoric and its real-world consequences.