Self-hatred

Literally, self-hatred refers to an extreme dislike of oneself, or being angry at oneself. The term is also used to designate a dislike or hatred of a group to which one belongs. For instance, 'ethnic self-hatred' is the extreme dislike of one's ethnic group. Accusations of self-hatred, like playing the race card, are often used inappropriately as an ad hominem attack to avoid rational debate.

Related Topics:
Playing the race card - Ad hominem

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The term 'self-hatred' is used infrequently by psychologists and psychiatrists, who would usually describe people who hate themselves as 'persons with low self-esteem'. Some people think that self-hatred and shame are important factors in some or many mental disorders, especially disorders that involve a perceived defect of oneself (e.g. body dysmorphic disorder). "Ethnic self-hatred" is considered by some people as being a cultural issue, to which psychological theories have limited relevance.

Related Topics:
Self-esteem - Mental disorder - Body dysmorphic disorder

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~