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Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

Collective guilt is wrong both morally and factually. That you can do it, for whatever reasons, should help give you some insight into the thinking of those who use collective guilt to go on to justify collective punishment.

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Jane's avatar

The USA has used collective guilt to justify all of its crimes against humanity. Japan, Vietnam, Iraq, Cuba, on and on. It’s what they do. It’s because Americans have never had to suffer collectively for the crimes of their govt that some here are outraged at that idea. That outrage is a form of American exceptionalism. Perhaps if Americans own up to their responsibility, they might rise up and revolt. I won’t hold my breath.

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martin's avatar

either way, it seems to be a strong unifier. 'collective responsability' sounds ok. those things are not easily found in a system where a minority leeches off the majority. one day 'usa, usa, usa !' and the next 'not my government'. (i refer again to southpark episode 100).

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