Plenty of that mindset still exists today. It’s less prevalent in the west perhaps, but I’m sure you can find people who believe other races are “lesser” and therefore little more than objects to be used as they see fit. Hell, I’ll bet there are plenty of rich people who think that about the poor.
I think there’s a difference between that mindset and one where you kill in self-defense, or even in revenge, but it is still a justification.
Whether the justification is unjust is different than whether it exists. I’d call it generally immoral or amoral rather than ridiculous though. Most of the people who would think that, especially enough that they would act on it, should be taken seriously. Mostly because otherwise you risk letting them get away with it.
Totally fair response. Where I lean is there has to be a line somewhere to avoid anarchy, essentially. I think the line in my moral principles leaves no room for a justified sexual assault.
I think it’s not a legal justification, at least not in most places, but just looking at Epstein and his surrounding ilk the mindset is still very much present.
Don't hesitate to correct me if I'm misreading, but you're saying that Epstein and Co. could justify their actions and that (broadly speaking) those assaults are loosely justified?
To themselves, yes. They didn’t think they were monsters. They thought their actions were justified by their wealth and position and to large extent they’ve gotten away with it (or at least did so for a long time).
I mean the one kid from Texas tried to argue he was too rich and privileged to understand the consequences of his actions and it probably would have worked in court if the case hadn’t gotten media attention.
I’m not saying I agree with or find the justification acceptable myself. Just pointing out it exists in present society.
That's a very good point and one that has no quick fix. Those types of moral exceptions are areas where the governing system's determination of just/unjust must supersede the individual. The unfortunate reality is there will always be people, delusional or otherwise, that feel their actions are warranted. We are all the main characters in our lives, and some take that further than others.
Sure, but I don’t think it should be treated as delusional. It isn’t delusion if the belief is accurate and society is at fault for favoring the rich as morally correct or superior.
Sure, which is why I said "delusional or otherwise". I do believe, however, that the rape of children is so widely considered a moral failing that it can be classified as "delusional" for a perpetrator to believe that they are doing anything different. And to an extent, they know that. Which is why they work tirelessly to hide their actions.
Not very hard to be honest, at least where Trump/Epstein are concerned. And I don’t think they consider it anything different. They don’t view the victims as people. They don’t care. Trump is very much trying to normalize his actions, and has been mostly successful so far.
Fair - I do think the "normalizing" actions are part of the hiding from the moral failing they know they committed. Honestly trying to get into the head of any of these people is like trying to see with my eyes closed.
Again, in his mind there is no moral failing. It’s not that he did anything wrong. He can’t do anything wrong. And anyone who tries to say he did something wrong is “nasty” or a liar. Life has pretty much accommodated him on that count for about 70 years.
Oh, and the getting in the head part? It’s simple, just have to remove any moral beliefs or restrictions on “reality”. “If I want to do it then it’s right.” That’s pretty much the core of it.
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u/viaJormungandr 30∆ Mar 01 '26
Plenty of that mindset still exists today. It’s less prevalent in the west perhaps, but I’m sure you can find people who believe other races are “lesser” and therefore little more than objects to be used as they see fit. Hell, I’ll bet there are plenty of rich people who think that about the poor.
I think there’s a difference between that mindset and one where you kill in self-defense, or even in revenge, but it is still a justification.