Originally posted by avalanchethecat
It's evolutionary, dude. It's picking fleas out of your gang-mate's fur so you both feel like a member of the tribe.

Agreed. Furthermore, that those who engage in ego appeasement / stroking seem to be more readily accepted in society after /during reprehensible behaviour is likely tied to some sort of primitive neurobiological incentive. Shouldn't acceptance instead be tied to indications that the reprehensible behavior won't be repeated?