I think some of our problems are made worse by the fundamental attribution error: a bias toward assuming others' actions are intentional (that's one way to interpret the FAE, anyway). For example, Graham Platner probably does not spend his days planning how to sexually assault women--it's much more plausible that he intends not to do that, but (if the allegations are true) frequently fails to live up to that intention. Not all cops have a basic plan to unfairly treat Black and other nonwhite people like shit; it's most likely that most of them have stereotypes (possibly from being on the force) and truly believe that they are always doing the right, safe, proper thing, because people with stereotypes don't know it; they think they simply see the world reasonably and accurately. The actions aren't much better without premeditation or intention; they still do the same amount of harm. However, assuming that every bad thing is caused by a dyed-in-the-wool psychopath offers very little possibility for positive change, in addition to almost always being wrong. It's much easier to demonize than it is to fix problems. Don't worry; you can still impose consequences even if you don't assume that every injustice is committed by someone knowingly and callously committing injustice. #politics #subtoot #SocialPsychology