I truly do not understand why so many people are filled with so much hate.
I am not talking about being disgusted by your least favorite food here, nor am I talking about the extreme dislike of a single person who has done something to you. No, here I am talking about that visceral abhorrence towards some group of people simply because they have some difference from yourself?
I grant that base human nature makes us territorial predators. But we allegedly have evolved beyond our most base nature, and have created what we call civilization, and society, and laws. These things are supposed to move us beyond the fear sprung from ignorance which drives such ugly emotions as rage and hatred. But yet, here we are.
I am still an optimist and therefore, I still also hold to the opinion that much of what we hear/see in the news only seems to make this world appear to be going to hell, because of the instantaneous access to what is happening pretty much anywhere on the globe. But at the same time I am a realist and in some aspects, at least when it comes to humans interacting with others of their own species, we do indeed seem to be getting worse at this living together.
As most of you are aware, I have pretty much given religion a pass. I do believe that there is some sort of superior being, but as to how it sees and interacts with us humans...? That is for each of us to figure out on our own (or to reject altogether - that is what free agency is all about, but that is a topic for another day). So, back to the point I was attempting to get to, pretty much every religion that is still in practice in this modern era has one thing in common with every other one. One rule. And regardless of how it is worded in your particular brand of conscience, it boils down to Love Others as You Would Want to Be Loved. There are no caveats, no exceptions, no buts. Love Others!
Now this doesn't mean a familial love, and it especially doesn't mean the love of an intimate relationship. No, this is that love that is 1960's Summer of Love hippie commune type. We accept each other for and in spite of our differences.
Does this mean we have to agree with the other? No. Does it mean we are comfortable with all that they do or are and/or the choices they make/have made? Again, no. It does, however, mean, that so long as those things that another is doing or has done is not affecting your life (the heart beating in your chest type, not the way you choose to live it), your liberty or how you choose to pursue that which makes you happy (and so we are clear, if depriving someone else of life, liberty or their ability to pursue happiness is how you pursue happiness, you need serious help), then they get to do it. You don't have to like it. You don't have to want to do it. You don't even have to do anything to be supportive of it. What you cannot do, is impose limits or restrictions upon those things, just as they shouldn't attempt to impose them upon you. And most importantly, just because what they do or their physical characteristics are not reasons to hate a person or group of people. To be specific, their skin tone, language, religion or lack thereof, god(s) or none, gender, sexual preference or identity (legally consenting adults), age, ability or anything else that makes them different is not in any way shape or form an appropriate reason to hate anyone. Ever!
There is probably a whole lot more I ought to say here. I do know there is a lot I want to say, but I believe it will lead to tangents that will detract from the issue I am addressing here.
So, here we are. Thoughts, comments, criticisms? And remember, I expect civility.
As most of you are aware, I have pretty much given religion a pass. I do believe that there is some sort of superior being, but as to how it sees and interacts with us humans...? That is for each of us to figure out on our own (or to reject altogether - that is what free agency is all about, but that is a topic for another day). So, back to the point I was attempting to get to, pretty much every religion that is still in practice in this modern era has one thing in common with every other one. One rule. And regardless of how it is worded in your particular brand of conscience, it boils down to Love Others as You Would Want to Be Loved. There are no caveats, no exceptions, no buts. Love Others!
Now this doesn't mean a familial love, and it especially doesn't mean the love of an intimate relationship. No, this is that love that is 1960's Summer of Love hippie commune type. We accept each other for and in spite of our differences.
Does this mean we have to agree with the other? No. Does it mean we are comfortable with all that they do or are and/or the choices they make/have made? Again, no. It does, however, mean, that so long as those things that another is doing or has done is not affecting your life (the heart beating in your chest type, not the way you choose to live it), your liberty or how you choose to pursue that which makes you happy (and so we are clear, if depriving someone else of life, liberty or their ability to pursue happiness is how you pursue happiness, you need serious help), then they get to do it. You don't have to like it. You don't have to want to do it. You don't even have to do anything to be supportive of it. What you cannot do, is impose limits or restrictions upon those things, just as they shouldn't attempt to impose them upon you. And most importantly, just because what they do or their physical characteristics are not reasons to hate a person or group of people. To be specific, their skin tone, language, religion or lack thereof, god(s) or none, gender, sexual preference or identity (legally consenting adults), age, ability or anything else that makes them different is not in any way shape or form an appropriate reason to hate anyone. Ever!
There is probably a whole lot more I ought to say here. I do know there is a lot I want to say, but I believe it will lead to tangents that will detract from the issue I am addressing here.
So, here we are. Thoughts, comments, criticisms? And remember, I expect civility.
