How to Fight Desensitization

When Bad Things Become "Okay": Understanding Normalization 

The constant barrage of news we face daily often has a numbing effect. Amanda Ruggeri explores this concerning phenomenon and offers ways to stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed. 

The word "normalize" has positive connotations these days. We see it used when advocating for healthy body acceptance or encouraging conversations about mental health. The idea is to remove harmful stigmas and make things less taboo. 

However, there's a darker side to normalization, one we might not even recognize. It's the gradual, insidious process through which things that shouldn't be acceptable become our everyday reality. We might call it desensitization or habituation – whatever the term, it's dangerous. 

Consider how wars, like those in Ukraine or Gaza, affect us. The initial shock of conflict draws our attention. But as time passes, even without resolution, these wars fade from the headlines and our conversations. Sadly, studies show that a conflict loses its emotional impact the longer it drags on. 

Staying Aware in a World of Information 

With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it's incredibly difficult to know who or what to believe. In this column, Amanda Ruggeri offers ways to stay informed, avoid manipulation, and think critically. 

This desensitization happens in our personal lives, too. Youth exposed to frequent violence are more likely to accept it as normal. During the pandemic, we became oddly numb to rising death tolls. Particularly disturbing is the fact that people living with the worst effects of climate change tend to underestimate its risks. 

We can even become desensitized to our own bad habits. Research shows that when people repeatedly lie for gain, both the size of their lies and their emotional reactions to them diminish over time. Essentially, the more we do something wrong, the easier it becomes to keep doing it. 

This process is a double-edged sword. Some level of adaptation is essential for our survival – imagine if we lived in constant crisis mode! However, it can also trap us in harmful situations. It's part of why "slow violence" – environmental damage or social injustice that unfolds gradually – is so hard to address. It's easy to miss how much harm is being done over time. 

Worse, desensitization can feed into itself. If people think something like violence is normal, they're more likely to participate. If climate change isn't a big deal, why bother changing our behavior? If we become numb to humanitarian suffering, are we still going to advocate for change? 

The Media's Role 

This raises important questions about how the media covers these issues. How can they report responsibly without desensitizing their audience? And as consumers, how can we navigate the news without becoming emotionally compromised? 

Studies show that people get frustrated with repetitive news coverage, especially if it feels like nothing is improving. This frustration can lead to turning away from the issue entirely, which benefits no one. The more complacent we become about a problem, the less likely those in power are to take action. 

The other danger is emotional overwhelm. When the news shows constant suffering, it can lead to compassion fatigue and a desire to simply tune out. 

What Can We Do? 

So, how do we remain aware of the world's problems without becoming numb or burning out? How can we make sure genuinely bad things don't become normalized in our minds? 

One step is to be more mindful about our news consumption. Set limits if a crisis starts to feel overwhelming. Additionally, seek out a variety of sources and perspectives – even if a single topic is your primary interest. Don't just read headlines; explore in-depth analysis, personal stories, and different forms of media. 

Fighting the Normalization of Negativity 

Understanding the process of desensitization is the first step toward resisting it. Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where negativity might be creeping into your idea of "normal." 

For example, do the streets around you always have litter, creating the impression that no one cares? Perhaps your work environment has a level of accepted rudeness that leaves you feeling drained. These might seem like small things, but the accumulation of negativity is insidious and makes us less likely to believe change is possible. 

Taking Charge, Starting Small 

So what can you do? Instead of accepting trash in your neighbourhood, pick up a few pieces each time you go for a walk. If faced with rudeness, respond with unexpected kindness, potentially shifting the tone for everyone involved. These might feel like insignificant acts, but they ripple outward. 

However, be gentle with yourself too. There's no point in feeling defeated by the world's problems. Instead, identify areas where you can make a difference within your own sphere of influence. Even small actions have a surprising impact. 

Another vital tool in this fight is community. Tackling normalized negativity is infinitely easier when you have like-minded people at your side. This could mean anything from organizing a neighbourhood clean-up to collectively setting new standards for respect in your workplace. Collective action makes a powerful statement. 

Creating Positive Contagion 

Remember that change, especially positive change, can spread like wildfire. When enough people take a stand against the idea that "this is just how things are", it creates a powerful shift. These actions, no matter how small, are what help us reclaim a better version of 'normal.' 

But, acceptance is also a crucial part of the equation. We can't fix everything immediately, yet we can't resign ourselves to a world where bad things are commonplace. Our task is to constantly work toward improvement – one conversation, one positive action, and one changed perspective at a time. 

Mindset Matters 

Sometimes, resisting normalization requires a change in how we think about the world around us. It's easy to slide into passive acceptance of things we dislike, which only deepens their hold on our reality. 

One strategy is to zoom out mentally. History provides powerful lessons about how change happens – even when things seem utterly unchanging. Shift your media consumption from breaking news to historical documentaries or books that examine how similar challenges were addressed in the past. 

Zooming forward can also be helpful. Consider the long-term consequences of our current actions and choices. What will tomorrow, or the next hundred years, look like if we continue on this path? Seek out analysis and predictions that offer these bigger-picture perspectives. 

This broadened perspective reveals important truths. For instance, the global slave trade and South Africa's apartheid regime both seemed like intractable parts of "normal" for many years. Yet, they were defeated. Things we don't want to see normalized for future generations can be changed. 

The Role of Imagination 

It's important to remember that a better world starts with the ability to envision it. The simple act of imagining a future free from the problems that plague us now is a powerful form of resistance. 

Furthermore, consider the normalization of positive things. Think about the ideals you want to see upheld more widely – perhaps fairness, compassion, environmental consciousness. What would it look like if those were truly normalized? This imaginative exercise provides a target, something to collectively strive toward. 

However, let's be realistic: you're not going to feel passionate about fighting every issue all the time. This is why turning action into a habit is so crucial. Schedule regular times to contact elected officials about the issues you care about. Set up automatic donations to effective charities rather than relying on bursts of emotional giving. Research shows that these strategies help combat desensitization-induced burnout. 

Normalizing a Better Future 

Ultimately, fighting the normalization of negativity requires both internal and external action. Internally, it means staying aware, practicing imaginative resistance, and being clear-eyed about the world we want. Externally, it means those small, consistent actions that add up to significant shifts. 

Perhaps most importantly, it involves remembering that change takes time, but it is absolutely possible. What seems unimaginable to one generation often becomes the reality for the next. It's this long-term, collective effort that moves us toward a truly better version of what's "normal." 

The Importance of Language 

The way we talk about things influences how we think about them. Consider, for instance, news reports or politicians using euphemisms like "conflict" or "instability" to soften the horrors of war. This kind of sanitized language feeds into desensitization, making violence seem more distant or abstract. 

Similarly, phrases like "that's just the way it is" or "you can't fight the system" serve to normalize negativity. They subtly erode our sense of agency, making us feel powerless in the face of problems. 

Recognizing the power of words is a vital step in fighting harmful normalization. Let's start by being more mindful of our own language. Do we, perhaps unintentionally, minimize suffering or perpetuate cynicism with our words? Choosing language that is direct and accurate helps break the cycle of casual acceptance. 

Furthermore, it's useful to call out problematic language from others. This doesn't have to be confrontational. Simple questions like, "What do you actually mean by that?" or "Would you consider using a different word?" can open conversations and shift perspectives. 

Reclaiming Our Stories 

Stories shape our perception of the world and what we believe is possible. Think about the stories that dominate news headlines: often they emphasize division, crime, and despair. While these things are real, an exclusive diet of negativity feeds into that sense that things are unchangeable. 

This is why actively seeking out alternative narratives is so powerful. Make a point of finding stories of hope, resilience, and people working to improve their communities. Support journalists and media that give voice to these underreported perspectives. 

Similarly, pay attention to who is telling the story. Narratives from those directly affected by an issue carry a different weight than the typical "expert" or government voice. Seek out those first-person accounts, which help counter the abstractness of desensitization. 

Sharing positive stories is equally essential. Did your neighbourhood cleanup bring people together? Did your letter to a politician get a meaningful response? Share these experiences within your social circle and online platforms. Normalizing stories of success inspires others and gives hope a fighting chance. 

Normalizing Positive Action 

The best antidote to the normalization of negativity is to actively normalize action and engagement. This can manifest in countless ways. Perhaps it means showing up at community meetings, joining a volunteer group, or speaking out against everyday injustices we witness. 

It's also vital to celebrate the positive actions of others. Thank the person who spoke up for someone being mistreated. Publicly commend local businesses that prioritize sustainability. These acts amplify the importance of positive behaviors and make them feel more like the norm, not the exception. 

A Lifelong Pursuit 

Fighting the normalization of harmful things isn't just a one-time effort. It's a mindset, an ongoing practice of awareness and active resistance. There will be setbacks, moments of discouragement, and times when the world's problems feel overwhelmingly huge. 

However, remember that even the smallest actions count. Every time you challenge your own desensitization, disrupt harmful normalizations in conversation, or take a stand for something better, you're making a difference. 

Importantly, this work should extend to our inner lives as well. Desensitization can creep into how we view ourselves, accepting unkindness or limiting our expectations. Practice self-compassion, challenge those negative inner narratives, and hold yourself to the same standard of hope and positive action that you apply to the world around you. 

Educating the Next Generation 

One of the most powerful long-term strategies for preventing harmful normalization lies with children. Young people are naturally sensitive to injustice and often have a strong desire to make things better. Let's foster that empathy, nurture critical thinking, and encourage their activism. 

This means being mindful of how we talk about problems in front of children. It's important to be honest and age-appropriate, but also to avoid falling into cynicism or despair. Emphasize possibilities for change and model the positive behaviors you want to see in them. 

Likewise, support educators and programs that prioritize teaching skills like media literacy, conflict resolution, and thoughtful civic engagement. Today's young people will inherit the world we leave them – let's equip them to build a version of 'normal' that aligns with our highest ideals. 

The Power of Imperfect Action 

Ultimately, it's about refusing to let the ease of desensitization win. The world desperately needs people who care, resist cynicism, and take action, however imperfect. It's easy to feel that what you can do doesn't matter in the grand scheme, but history tells us differently. 

Think of all those "ordinary" people who, through persistence, changed the world. Abolitionists, civil rights activists, environmental campaigners – they were far from perfect, they made mistakes, yet their collective work radically shifted what we consider "normal." 

Let their stories be our inspiration. The fight against negativity, against harmful normalizations, might be a lifelong one, but it's a fight absolutely worth taking on. Every small act of resistance, every conversation that disrupts complacency, helps create a better reality – for ourselves, for our communities, and for generations to come.