We all have the capacity to do hurtful things, but we differ from one another in terms of scale-how much we can hurt others, how far we will go to make a statement about our beliefs, how remorseful we might feel in the aftermath of committing a terrible act.
The quote from Roxane Gay's "Bad Feminist" reflects on the inherent potential for individuals to cause harm to others. It emphasizes that while everyone possesses this capacity, the degree to which one can inflict hurt varies significantly. Factors such as one's moral compass and personal beliefs can influence how far someone is willing to go in expressing their views, even when it leads to damaging actions.
Furthermore, Gay highlights the importance of remorse in understanding the impact of these actions. Different people experience varying levels of regret or guilt after committing harmful acts, which can shape their future decisions and interactions. This exploration of human behavior underscores the complex nature of morality and the spectrum of empathy and accountability that exists among individuals.