The Perils of Individualism
How Rooting Human Rights in Individualism Fuels Supremacism and Atrocity
by Demhas
The modern conception of human rights is often rooted in individualism—placing the individual at the center of moral, political, and legal consideration. While individualism has undeniably contributed to personal freedoms and autonomy, an extreme focus on the individual can lead to dangerous distortions. Among these distortions, supremacism emerges as a byproduct of unchecked individual entitlement, and history has shown that supremacism is a powerful driver of human rights atrocities.
At its core, individualism champions self-interest, autonomy, and personal achievement. While these values can encourage creativity and progress, they also risk fostering an exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement. When individuals or groups internalize the idea that their rights and desires take precedence over those of others, a supremacist mindset can take root. Supremacism—whether based on race, nationality, religion, or ideology—relies on the belief that certain individuals or groups are inherently superior and therefore justified in exerting control over others.
History provides numerous examples where supremacist ideologies, deeply intertwined with extreme individualist thinking, have led to some of the worst human rights violations. Colonialism, for instance, was largely driven by the belief that European individuals had a superior right to land, resources, and governance over indigenous populations. Similarly, racial segregation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing have often been justified by supremacist narratives that elevate certain groups above others, leading to systematic oppression and violence.
The 20th century bore witness to extreme individualist and supremacist ideologies culminating in mass atrocities. The Nazi regime’s genocidal campaign was fueled by a belief in Aryan supremacy, where individual entitlement to power translated into state-sponsored extermination. Likewise, totalitarian regimes that exalted individual leaders to the status of infallible rulers—often portraying them as the ultimate embodiment of national or ideological supremacy—resulted in widespread repression and crimes against humanity.
The link between supremacism and human rights atrocities lies in the entitlement to control. A supremacist—driven by an extreme sense of individualism—feels justified in imposing their will upon others, whether through political dominance, economic exploitation, or outright violence. This entitlement disregards the dignity and autonomy of others, effectively nullifying the foundational principles of human rights.
To counteract this dangerous trajectory, human rights must be framed not merely as individual entitlements but as mutual obligations. A balance must be struck between individual freedoms and collective responsibilities. Recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the moral equality of all individuals can serve as a safeguard against supremacist ideologies that lead to oppression and violence. Instead of championing a radical form of individualism that prioritizes self-interest at the expense of others, human rights discourse must emphasize the importance of solidarity, empathy, and shared dignity.
Ultimately, if human rights continue to be solely grounded in individualism without accountability to the collective good, they risk being manipulated to justify control, oppression, and even atrocities. Supremacism thrives on the unchecked entitlement of the individual or the dominant group, leading to historical and ongoing violations of human rights. To prevent such dangers, a more balanced, collective, and interdependent vision of human rights must be embraced—one that protects individuals while reinforcing the ethical responsibility we all share toward one another.