"Yes we live uncertainty and disappointments have to be,
and every day we might be facing more...
And yes we live in desperate times...
Say love, say for me love."
-Avett Brothers
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about all of the hatred in the world. With racial issues, animal abuse, LGBT announcements, and hate crimes trending on my FB newsfeed, it's pretty hard not to notice the upward trend in people feeling/expressing malice towards others- even from 2,500 miles away.
As a girl raised in the south, with family from up north, and friends scattered across the country and the globe, I have seen opinions and thoughts from all sides of these current events on social media. I've seen religious propaganda supporting and berating the legalization of gay marriage. I've seen friends speak in favor of or in opposition to the removal of the Confederate Flag. I think it's great that we all have the freedom to express our opinions. And of course, people are different. We are all human. Our beliefs reflect many complicated and diverse factors that have influenced our lives.
The problem I see is a lack of respect for other people's opinions, a cultivation of unwarranted hatred, and a burning desire in people to always be right and to always have the last word. As I mentioned before, everyone has the basic human right to express themselves. But what benefit is their in doing so in hateful manner? Have you ever felt persuaded to change your mind about an issue because someone insulted you? Slew curse words at you? Belittled you or your point of view?
What I don't understand is how/why people can have so much hatred in their hearts. I have never believed that my animosity towards someone or something could change anything. It's human nature to be passionate about things. When we are passionate about things, we like to instill that same passion in others. Sometimes, we can't contain it. But, again, everyone is not the same. You cannot force someone into thinking the same way as you. That sounds a lot like a scary dystopia novel.
If you believe that you are entitled to share your thoughts and feelings with the world, then what makes you believe that another person, another human, born into the world just the same as you, does not have that same right? What has happened to civilized and educated conversations? Why are we arguing about things of no consequence and disparaging others?
I guess my whole way of thinking is influenced by (as cliché as it sounds) the golden rule. "Do unto others as you would have them to unto you." I, personally, always try to treat others the way I would like to be treated. Of course, as I am not perfect, I fail sometimes, but the point is I am conscious of this effort. It breaks my heart to see how people are treated, even on social media. A simple photo or video can quickly gather comments and people are swift to lash out against the publisher for minute details.
"The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is a maxim, ethical code or morality that essentially states either of the following:
- One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself (directive form).
This concept describes a "reciprocal", or "two-way", relationship between one's self and others that involves both sides equally, and in a mutual fashion."
- One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated (cautionary form)
God created us all to be individuals. We have our own thoughts, emotions, and inclinations. My intention in writing this is not to criticize anyone, but rather (hopefully) provoke the masses (a.k.a the five people that actually read my blog) into being more conscientious when posting on social media and to initiate conversations with others about the topic. Why not reach out in love rather than fervent anger and hatred?
Here's to hoping.
Live and love,
Katey <3
Romans 13:10
