In October 2019, within the framework of Spielberg and Gibney's documentary series about hate, I shared the findings of a search that I conducted
in the Scopus database, which unveiled 2,796 academic publications
featuring the term 'hate' in their titles. Furthermore, i also
noticed that when employing the term 'fashion' as a search query, the
Scopus algorithm retrieved a total of 11,177 publications.
However, if we were to conduct the same search today, we would
discover 5,722 publications featuring the term 'hate' in their titles
and 16,401 publications with 'fashion' in their titles. These results unmistakably mark a significant transformation in the
academic realm. Publications centered around the domain of fashion
have witnessed a growth of nearly 50%, while those delving
into issues related to 'hate' have shown an astonishing 200% surge.
This shift signifies a positive development, as it underscores a
realignment of research priorities within academia, emphasizing the
importance of addressing pressing societal concerns.
When I
inquired ChatGPT about how the lessons drawn from Greek tragedies
could contribute to addressing the issue of hate, the response I
received was as follows:
"Ancient Greek tragedies offer
valuable lessons for contemporary society. They serve as cautionary
tales, warning us about the dangers of hate and the importance of
seeking resolution and reconciliation. These lessons can be applied
to various aspects of modern life, including interpersonal
relationships, societal conflicts, and international disputes.
Breaking
the Cycle: As seen in "The Oresteia," the perpetuation of
hate can have dire consequences. To break this cycle, it is
essential to seek alternatives to vengeance and instead pursue
justice and reconciliation. This principle can guide individuals,
communities, and nations in resolving conflicts without resorting to
hatred and violence.
Empathy and
Compassion: In "Antigone," the tragedy stems from a lack
of empathy and understanding between Creon and Antigone. Encouraging
empathy and compassion in our interactions with others can prevent
the escalation of conflicts driven by hate. By attempting to
understand one another's perspectives, we can foster healthier
relationships and societies.
Self-Reflection:
Many Greek tragedies, such as "Medea" and "Antigone,"
highlight the role of pride and stubbornness in fueling hate.
Encouraging self-reflection and humility can help individuals
recognize their own biases and prejudices, reducing the potential
for hatred to take root."
PS - One of the authors with the highest number of Scopus-indexed publications on hate is Sebastian Wachs, Deputy Professor for Education and Socialization Theory at the University of Potsdam.
