Hatred: Walter White Is Doing It All Wrong

Abstract

In this chapter I argue that hate can be a virtue. Proper hate is directed at an individual whose actions are demeaning or degrading. The inflicting of harm on such a person, when appropriate and moderate, can secure moral goods. Hatred can reassert the demeaned person’s proper sense of self-esteem and reinforce social norms. Walter White feels demeaned by several characters in Breaking Bad. Sometimes he is correct in feeling insulted. Often he is oversensitive. Usually his response is excessive and immoderate. Walter White most often exhibits the excessive self-destructive hate that gives the virtue a bad name.