3 min read

I asked ChatGPT what happens if genocide is normalised...

I asked ChatGPT what happens if genocide is normalised...
Asking ChatGPT about genocide

And the answer was exactly what I expected, but what I didn't expect is that rather than projecting into the future as I had asked, many of these things are in our past and present. We are far further down the road than we realise.

If genocide was normalised and accepted as perpetrated by western countries what would the future look like for ordinary people living in those countries 

The answer.

ChatGPT

If genocide were normalized and accepted as a practice by Western countries, it would have far-reaching and profoundly disturbing impacts on every aspect of society, affecting ordinary people’s daily lives, societal values, global standing, and the general trajectory of civilization.

1. Erosion of Moral and Ethical Standards

Normalization of Atrocities: Accepting genocide as standard would gradually erode moral and ethical boundaries, creating an environment where atrocities could be rationalized or even celebrated as “necessary” actions. This could lead to a desensitized populace and a weakened sense of empathy and respect for human life.

Impact on Community Relations: People would likely live in constant fear and distrust, especially in diverse communities. Any group seen as “different” could be viewed as a potential target, leading to heightened segregation, suspicion, and even preemptive violence between communities.

2. Authoritarianism and State Surveillance

Increased Control Over Citizens: A state that normalizes genocide would likely resort to authoritarian measures to maintain control and suppress dissent. Surveillance, censorship, and propaganda could become routine, with citizens constantly monitored to ensure compliance and prevent opposition.

Restriction of Freedoms: Ordinary citizens would experience restricted freedoms of speech, association, and movement, as any perceived dissent could be labeled as treasonous or subversive. People would likely refrain from voicing opinions or showing support for marginalized groups, fearing repercussions.

3. Psychological and Social Impact

Culture of Fear: People would live in a perpetual state of fear, knowing that state-endorsed violence could be directed toward any group that falls out of favor. This would lead to an anxious, defensive society where individuals and communities isolate themselves to avoid drawing attention.

Normalization of Violence: The normalization of genocide could breed a culture of everyday violence. Violence as a conflict-resolution method would seep into all aspects of life, from personal relationships to school and workplace environments, reshaping how people interact and solve disputes.

4. International Isolation and Economic Consequences

Global Sanctions and Isolation: Normalizing genocide would make these countries global pariahs, subject to sanctions, boycotts, and severe restrictions on international trade. This isolation could lead to shortages of goods, inflation, and economic hardship, which would directly affect the ordinary person’s quality of life.

Technological and Cultural Stagnation: With the rest of the world likely distancing itself, Western countries would lose access to collaborative research, cultural exchange, and technological advancements. Stagnation in these fields would affect industries, healthcare, education, and general societal progress, making life more challenging and less fulfilling.

5. Impacts on Families and Future Generations

Generational Trauma and Psychological Impact: Growing up in a society that endorses genocide would create long-lasting psychological impacts, including increased prevalence of mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Families would live with the trauma of fearing for their lives or losing loved ones.

Ethical Void in Education: Schools would likely teach a skewed version of history and ethics, molding children into ideologically compliant citizens. Future generations might grow up with a distorted sense of morality, where human rights, dignity, and empathy are undervalued or dismissed altogether.

6. Dehumanization and Identity Crisis

Loss of Cultural and National Identity: As genocidal practices eliminate or marginalize various communities, the cultural fabric of these societies would become impoverished. People might begin to question their national identity and purpose, feeling alienated from the moral ideals they once held dear.

Dehumanization in Everyday Interactions: Society would become increasingly stratified, with certain groups deemed “lesser” or disposable. This dehumanization could spread to interactions across all social lines, making relationships more transactional and diminishing compassion, mutual respect, and dignity.

7. Increased Likelihood of Resistance and Internal Conflict

Rise of Underground Movements: Despite the state’s power, resistance movements would likely emerge, possibly sparking internal conflict and civil unrest. While some people might passively accept the state’s actions, others would resist in covert ways, leading to a divided and unstable society.

Cycle of Retaliation and Repression: Repressive measures by the state to suppress these movements could trigger a cycle of retaliation and repression, leading to further societal instability, violence, and potentially even civil wars.

In such a future, the lives of ordinary people would be marked by fear, moral decay, restricted freedoms, and a loss of humanity. The hope and optimism that often drive social progress would likely be replaced by a bleak, survival-oriented existence in which safety, dignity, and freedom are continually compromised. The global response to this would also play a role, as the world outside these countries would either isolate them or intervene, adding layers of complexity and possible conflict to an already dystopian reality.

/ChatGPT

As I read this answer, I thought about Edward Snowden, Julian Assange, Lavender AI, violence against immigrants, the Gaza genocide. Everything that came before, created everything that is. None of us are free, until Palestine is free.