Citation

Bell LA. Hypatia 2009; 24(1): 123-140.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Indiana University Press)

DOI

10.1111/j.1527-2001.2009.00010.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Inspired by Card's focus on atrocities, I reflect on attitudes and behaviors that buttress and support evil. Surely, the frequent anti-Semitic sermons in German churches helped to form and later to support the views of both Nazis and those who accepted and cooperated with them. Similarly, lynching, rape, and abuse occur within societies whose structures and laws reflect dominant, generally “genteel” racism and sexism and, in turn, help create perpetrators and at least somewhat sympathetic onlookers.