Disconnect

Often, in an attempt to justify things they find offensive, people attempt to disconnect, to remove themselves from what is happening. Take, for example, the willful ignorance toward the abuse of animals and humans alike in the food industry. Many people could never condone the conditions in the factory farms and slaughterhouses, but because nobody is willing to directly involve themselves – because everyone is disconnected – the problem remains out of sight and mind. This can also be seen in the objectification of disadvantaged people such as the poor or immigrants. “It's not MY problem,” is the constant refrain, “Why should I do anything?” Reinforcing this is the psychological “bystander effect”, where more bystanders makes it paradoxically less likely for someone to assist someone in need. Nobody wants to be the first to approach a problem everyone else is trying to ignore.