One thing to remember, is that humans have developed to be the dominant life form on Earth BECAUSE of empathy and mercy, not in spite of it.
The simple facts are that conflict is inevitable, cynical but true. But what comes after is where humanity is defined. Namely, being able to bury the past and make something of the future.
To use the previous example: Germany and Japan became vulnerable to fascist dictatorship (Germany) and militaristic dictatorship (Japan) BECAUSE of events in the past put them in that situation. When the US deployed aid to help reconstruct Japan and Germany after the war, that was a sign of humanity. Yes, some Japanese and German soldiers did some horrific things, and they should certainly be punished, but the nations and countries can move beyond that. Because if they don’t, then the same thing will happen again.
FMA shows this pretty well; the Ishvalans were ethnically cleansed by Amestris, and some are rightfully angry with that. However, they still contribute to helping the heroes save the country because they know that’s the only way for the violence to end. To swallow your pride and hurt and focus on NOT being the victim. The creator says she based this on the Ainu people and the racial tensions with the Jomon descendent people.
For all the talk about SJW rhetoric, there seems to be the missing info. SJWs are despised because their whole mindset paints themselves or ingroup as a victim, always. No matter what they do in retaliation, they refuse to take responsibility or make something of themselves because they believe they can’t be anything but ‘victims’
Being the bigger man (or woman) is the exact opposite of being an SJW.