Ep 1. Origins

Why We Hate is a six-part documentary series that explores the roots of hate and how it can be overcome. Each episode delves into the lives of individuals affected by hate, as well as experts and researchers studying its origins and impact. The series is produced by Steven Spielberg and Alex Gibney.

In the first episode, entitled Origins, the series sets the stage for the exploration of hate as a topic. The episode focuses on the biological and evolutionary underpinnings of human aggression. The viewer is introduced to a variety of experts including primatologists, anthropologists, and psychologists who have studied the origins of aggression in humans and other animals.

The main threads running through Origins are the parallels between human aggression and that of other primates, the impact of evolution on modern human behavior, and the genetic basis of aggression. The documentary crew visits a variety of locations around the world to illustrate these themes, including a chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa, a research laboratory that studies primates in the United States, and an archaeological dig in Spain.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is introduced to a variety of research studies that illustrate how humans and other animals are wired for aggression. For instance, the viewer is shown a study where chimpanzees were trained to use sticks as weapons, and then shown to be more aggressive towards other chimpanzees. Viewers are also shown studies of MRI scans of human brains that reveal the neural circuitry associated with aggressive behavior.

In addition to the biological underpinnings of aggression, the episode also touches on the impact of evolution on modern human behavior. The viewer is shown how modern humans have evolved to live in relatively small groups, and how this isolation can lead to aggression towards people outside of those groups. This idea is illustrated in part through archaeological evidence of violence between different groups of humans throughout history.

The episode ends with a discussion of the genetic basis of aggression, and how some people may be predisposed to violence based on their genes. However, the experts interviewed also stress that genetics alone cannot account for aggressive behavior, and that socialization and environment play a large role in shaping people’s behavior.

Overall, Origins provides an in-depth look at the biological and evolutionary roots of human aggression. Through a combination of expert interviews, research studies, and field trips, the episode lays the groundwork for a larger exploration of the topic of hate. The cinematography and editing are both impressive, and lend themselves well to the more academic nature of the episode. It’s a thought-provoking start to a promising series.