Calling Putin Mad Is Not Just Wrong, It's Counterproductive
The Independent|July 05, 2022
We have witnessed so many abhorrent acts by Russia against the people of Ukraine, it is no wonder that we search for reasons as to why they were allowed.
Ian Hamilton
Calling Putin Mad Is Not Just Wrong, It's Counterproductive

Increasingly, politicians and high-profile figures suggest that Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, is “mad” or a “psycho”.

This strikes me as not only lazy but dangerous. Firstly, part of the stigma attached to those with a mental illness is based on a fear of what they might do; that they are dangerous and potentially violent. The evidence suggests otherwise: the greatest threat from those who have a mental health problem is to themselves, either through self-harm or, tragically, prematurely ending their lives. Accusing the Russian leader of being “mad” does little to reduce this stigma.

This story is from the July 05, 2022 edition of The Independent.

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This story is from the July 05, 2022 edition of The Independent.

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