The Rise of the Anti-Hero: A Shift in Cultural Values and Empathy

You’re not supposed to admire the bad guy!

The "Why" has always been important to me.

Even when I don't agree with someone or like what they say, I want to understand why they see the world as they do. Lately, I can't wrap my mind around why so many people delight in other's pain.

Somewhere along the way, we have gone off track. Unkindness, cruelty, and the enjoyment of others’ suffering have become the norm.

While searching for answers, I came across an article that struck me. Unfortunately, I can't recall the author and didn't save the link. However, the author explored this idea through tv shows many generations grew up with and compared them to changing media.

Traditionally, audiences rooted for protagonists who embodied justice, fairness, and standing up for the vulnerable. Then shows like Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, Dexter (or more recently, Succession and The Boys) present complex, morally ambiguous characters who are fascinating to watch but deeply flawed.

While it was interesting to challenge the traditional stereotypes, audiences took away the wrong message. Instead of recognizing the protagonists as cautionary figures, many viewed them as heroes. They were never meant to be admired.

At some point, that admiration for the anti-hero turned into emulation, or a kind of moral desensitization. People admired cunning, ruthlessness, and power—even when those traits were wielded harmfully. Instead of rejecting these behaviours in real life, some have embraced them.

The Internet Rewards Outrage and Cruelty

That alone isn't the full picture, though. The rise of social media and the decline of real-world community bonds have also played a huge role. The internet rewards outrage and cruelty in ways that previous generations never experienced. When someone's suffering is turned into a viral moment, it gives people a sense of superiority or amusement at another’s expense. The anonymity of online spaces also makes it easier to dehumanize others, which can erode empathy over time.

At the same time, many people today feel powerless—whether economically, socially, or politically. When people feel powerless, they sometimes lash out or seek control in unhealthy ways. Some find it easier to tear others down than to build something meaningful themselves.

There’s been a cultural shift, and the glorification of the anti-hero is one piece of the puzzle. But it’s likely a mix of media influences, social isolation, economic struggles, and the way the internet amplifies cruelty that has led us to this moment.

The Disaster from the Loss of Empathy

It’s heartbreaking to see how much hatred and division have taken hold, especially when history has shown us where that road leads. When people stop seeing each other as human—when cruelty, resentment, and tribalism take over—it creates the perfect conditions for large-scale conflict.

It’s frustrating to see so many fueled by anger, fear, and misinformation, completely unwilling to step back and ask, What are we doing to each other? People have forgotten how to listen, how to disagree without dehumanizing, and how to be kind even when they don’t get something in return. Even myself. I pride myself on being kind first. But I'm so fed up with the frequent bullying, intimidation, insults, and threats, I often feel my kindness is misunderstood as a weakness.

Use Kindness As Acts of Resistance 

I don’t have easy answers, but I do believe in small acts of resistance—and still, I should choose kindness when it’s not expected. We should also engage in thoughtful conversations when possible, and remind people of our shared humanity. It might not change the world overnight, but history also shows us that cruelty spreads through small actions—and so does compassion. We can be firm without being unkind. We can be clear and thoughtful without being weak. But we should do what we can to avoid becoming the bad guy.

Do you feel this way? You're not alone. The fact that we care—that we’re thinking about it, questioning it, wanting to make a difference—means we're already doing something powerful 💙