In this episode, we unpack one of the most overlooked forces in abusive systems: the enabler. While society teaches us to fear the obvious villain: the narcissist, the manipulator, the aggressor, there’s someone even more insidious standing quietly beside them: the person who says nothing, does nothing, and protects power by remaining silent.

From toxic families and workplaces to systemic cultural harm, we explore how moral cowardice, fear of conflict, and emotional allegiance to the status quo allow abuse to thrive. Silence isn’t neutrality, it’s complicity. And the enabler isn’t harmless, they’re essential to oppression.

Topics Covered:

What is enabling behaviour and why is it so dangerous?

How silence protects abusers

Emotional addiction to comfort and safety

Why neutrality is a choice with consequences

The psychology of enablers: image over integrity

Systems of harm: narcissistic families, toxic workplaces, abusive relationships

Calling out moral cowardice and reclaiming personal integrity

Why speaking up matters more than everSubscribe now and start your journey toward emotional freedom.

Rethink That. | Tolani, MSc. | Substack

Full post here:

https://rethinkthat.substack.com/p/why-the-most-dangerous-person-isnt?r=olnqy

Keywords: abuse enablers, silence is not neutral, moral cowardice, toxic systems, psychological abuse, speaking up, emotional safety, enabling behaviour, abusive dynamics, complicity, bystander behaviour, systemic harm

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