Psychology hasn't paid enough attention to the regard people have towards humanity - their "humanity-esteem"

That's according to Michelle Luke and Gregory Maio whose new research suggests a person's view of humanity can have important social implications, for example affecting their proclivity for racism

If we think highly of humankind, it follows that we're less likely to have a negative attitude to other ethnic groups - after all, they're human too

the researchers showed that people's humanity-esteem can be influenced by presenting them with images casting humankind in a positive light

or in a negative light

"Because the media often emphasises the negative side of human nature, it may have a negative influence on humanity-esteem and increase problems of discrimination. Awareness of this potential effect should enter discussions of the ways in which events are covered."