Cruelty is defined as any act that causes pain or suffering to a person or animal, sometimes unintentionally, but often intentionally in order to induce pleasure in the person doing it.

Sure, many people may not like cruelty, but there are many who are attracted to cruelty. They may like to carry it out, or they may like to witness the cruelty of denigrating others. There are a number of factors that can cause any individual to be drawn to cruelty.

These factors include the following reasons:

Desire for power and control

This is often the driving force for prejudice, harassment and even violence. It can be the root of misogyny, prejudice and harassment in the workplace, and even domestic violence.

An expression of anger

Anger, experienced consciously or unconsciously, can contribute to various forms of cruelty. As such, there may be an increased desire for revenge against those who have caused one to experience emotional or physical suffering.

A reaction to fear

Cruelty can be a reaction to fear, a sense of threat caused by others, whether real or imagined.

A consequence of childhood trauma

Childhood traumas involving physical or sexual abuse, even witnessing these events, can lead to a predisposition to cruelty. This can be a way to deal with being overwhelmed by negative events and emotions that have not been fully processed, accepted and passed on.

Joining a group prone to cruelty

Some people may be cruel in an attempt to be accepted by a group that promotes cruelty.
Sometimes, negative emotions can be contagious in a group, causing members to behave in ways that reflect less mature judgment than might be typical for them. This is reflected in crowds and similar shapes.

Compassion as an 'antidote' to cruelty

Lack of or limited empathy can contribute to a person's cruel behavior. Those who fear or are uncomfortable with compassion are more likely to see it as a sign of weakness.

However, as described by Paul Gilbert, compassion is the 'antidote' to cruelty. Self-compassion is an antidote to self-cruelty.

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